by Rob Popplestone
We are at round six, meaning the league is a third of the way through the season.
Although it would be unfair to start to predict who may and who may not be a part of the business end of the season, it seems reasonably obvious that same clubs have got it all together whilst others still have some ground to make up.
Thorpdale v Hill End
The Blues have been better than expected in most people's eyes this season. The normally competitive, hard and aggressive Thorpdale side have had a few sore bodies in the opening rounds of the season. As a result, their performance to win before the bye in round five was a good one.
Thorpdale coach Daniel Taylor said "that was the most pleasing thing for me".
"The game was there to be won and we stood up when it mattered most," Taylor said. "Great team effort right across the board."
"We've had the bye last week, which came at a good time and now a home game against Hill End," he added.
Hill End had the chance to grab a win in two, maybe three, matches this season. But, five rounds into the year, find themselves on the bottom of the ladder with nothing to show for their patches of good footy.
Hill End coach Adrian Burns said "we have certainly been in games" but "things haven't always gone our way".
"We have a big bunch of 18 to 21-year-olds who continue to do everything I ask of them," Burns said. "We will grab a win at some stage and, from that and with a young group, things can quickly change."
Thorpdale will play on their home ground with the expectation of a win. But, they will be aware, just turning up will not be enough.
Fish Creek v Morwell East
This clash highlights the contrast between a side going beautifully and delivering everything expected of them against a side that just can't seem to fire at all after so much pre-season promise.
Fish Creek, two-time reigning premier, will start white-hot favourites in their clash against the out of sorts Morwell East. However, don't expect the Kangaroos to be just going through the motions.
Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker said the side "will need to be at the top of our game".
"Although it looks like they've had some tough results, they've still got a lot of quality on the park, so can never be taken lightly," Walker said.
The performances of the Hawks are really starting to sting coach Paul Henry. His summation of last week's big loss to Yinnar - "too fast, too good" and "a day to forget" - showing his frustration.
Henry can seemingly do no more than give his honest and 100 per cent feedback. Unless his players on the park can find something, this season may seem to be one of the longest for them in recent years.
Foster v Tarwin
Foster has been firing on all four cylinders - actually more like a V12 - in recent weeks.
The Tigers' winning ways are expected to continue in round six, but they remain acutely aware of the quality of this week's opposition.
"They (Tarwin) were in the game for three quarters against MDU, so they must be finding their feet and playing good footy," Foster coach Sam Davies said.
The Sharks are capable, make no mistake. But, being just capable won't be enough against Foster; it will need something special.
Tarwin coach Lachie Jones said Foster was shaping as a contender "so we need to bring our best".
A week is a long time in football. If Tarwin, despite their many injuries, can win one against the odds, their season could quickly change direction.
Newborough v Boolarra
Two sides coming off different results meet in an important round six clash.
The Bulldogs found a way to win against Hill End last week but will see the Demons as an even bigger challenge.
Newborough coach Pat Frendo will be forced to make changes before facing Boolarra, who he expects will push for finals.
"We had a few players go down with injury last week, which will create opportunities for others in the coming weeks and hopefully create a bit of winning momentum," Frendo said.
We all know the importance of momentum. The Demons, after winning their first three games of the year, will be looking to regain some of that type of form against the Bulldogs.
"We head into a patch of games that will determine our season with a three-two record," Boolarra coach Brendan Mason said. "(We) look forward to the challenge of taking on Newborough at the Kennel."
"Under a new coach, we enter the game unfamiliar with a game style to expect," Mason added. "We will get 100 per cent effort from the home side, like we do every time we clash."
This clash is no doubt a fork in the road. The victor will see the chance of a finals berth in the distance, whilst the loser is confronted with an even bigger challenge.
Toora v Mirboo North
These two teams have put in the work as much as any other in the competition.
Both are worthy of another victory as reward for their efforts. However, somehow, they must also find something extra to do so.
Mirboo North coach Damien Turner said his side must show improvement this week.
Turner described this game as "a tough road trip against a team who will be also looking to bounce back".
"My boys have a great attitude this year and really want to improve and get better," he added.
Getting better is the name of the game, even if it is not enough to produce the results wanted for this year. Building a foundation for the years ahead is important as is being a better player, person and club in order to enjoy the journey.
Toora coach Jay Accardi described this game as a "massive challenge" against a young, up and coming Mirboo North who are hunting for another win.
Hunt the Tigers will, but Toora on their home deck can be a tricky proposition at the best of times. With wins crucial for both clubs, this looms as one of the most interesting of round six.
Yinnar v MDU
As good as MDU have been in recent weeks, this clash against league leaders Yinnar will give the Demons a clearer picture of just how much they have improved.
There were whispers, even before the season started, that something special was building at MDU. This weekend will show just how true that is.
MDU coach Rhett Kelly said it's "another huge challenge for us".
"We are really looking forward to the challenge and to see where we sit amongst the top teams in the competition," Kelly said.
The Magpies have quickly become the hunted. However, no team - as yet - has managed to kill them off, in fact quite the opposite has been occurring. More times than not, Yinnar has made light work of their opposition.
Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch was very happy to come away with a percentage boosting win against an undermanned Morwell East last week.
"We played our brand of footy for the majority of the day and finished the game out well," McCulloch said. "Looking forward to be back at home against a team in good form. Will be a real test for us."
Good sides respond to bigger challenges, and certainly it will be a bigger challenge for the home side this week.
As good as MDU are likely to be, expect to also see the best of Yinnar.
Bye: Stony Creek.