by Rob Popplestone
Thorpdale will return to their home ground to take on league leaders Fish Creek as Mid Gippsland football hits round 10.
While most might be apprehensive of taking on the quality of the Kangaroos, you get the feeling the Blues will see Saturday's game as an opportunity to make a statement.
Thorpdale v Fish Creek
Thorpdale coach Daniel Taylor, while disappointed with last week's loss, was proud of his team's effort across the board.
"Saturday's game should give the boys confidence that, if we can bring that effort every week and we can get somewhere near full strength, we'll be right in the mix," Taylor said.
Looking to this weekend, Taylor described Fish Creek as "the yardstick of the competition" for two-and-a-half years. However, he said "we're really looking forward to having a crack at them".
The Kangaroos did what was required late against Newborough in their last game. They will need to be ready to go from the first siren this week against a tough opposition.
"It was then pleasing in the last quarter for the guys to stick to the task and finish the game off strongly," Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker said. "Now our attention turns to a tough contest this week at Thorpdale. Always a tough opponent who matches up well against us, and always hard to beat on their ground."
Fish Creek's sights are on the big games a few months away. But, to be part of that action, they need to be on their game in clashes just like this.
Hill End v Yinnar
The Rovers came back to earth with a bit of a thump last week after MDU took hold of them very early.
No doubt the home side will be well prepared for quality opposition Yinnar to bring the same heat this weekend, especially off their fine performance against Thorpdale.
Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch despite it "a mature performance" from his group.
"I was proud of the way we steadied when challenged late in that game," McCulloch said.
Looking ahead to this weekend's tough away game, he said "we will have to come with the right mindset to get the job done".
The mindset is certainly an important factor for Hill End as well. Now 10 rounds in, they are still searching for their first victory against a seemingly endless quality of opposition.
Hill End coach Adrian Burns said his side "showed patches in the first quarter and even outscored them in the last quarter, but the damage was done".
"We had a handful of players out, so we are getting a look at some new faces," Burns said. "We all just need to remain patient."
"We will welcome back a few this week and the next fortnight looks pretty tough, but we will continue to learn and mature and get better."
Facing Yinnar, followed by the might of Fish Creek, is certainly the biggest of fortnights. But, if the Rovers can get through injury-free and learn a little on the way then maybe, just maybe, a win is possible in the round beyond that.
Boolarra v Tarwin
A two-week break could not have come at a better time for Boolarra. But, now the Demons will want to see a dividend this weekend against an in-form Tarwin, who are also fighting for position from which to launch a finals campaign.
Boolarra coach Brendan Mason expects to be able to bring back up to five players during selection for this week's game.
"One of those five, assuming he can keep his hands in his pockets, will be former Carlton star and Brisbane Lions' best and fairest winner Mitch Robinson," Mason said. "Robbo is sure to add plenty of run to our midfield and also be a tough target to much up on in front of the footy."
"With the Sharks coming off back-to-back 100-point plus scores, our defenders will certainly have their work cut out for them keeping the likes of Troy Harley and Jordan Staley under wraps in what shapes up as a season-defining game for both clubs."
The presence of the former AFL star will ensure a healthy home ground crowd for the Demon. But, the question remains as to what two weeks off looks like against a side that has had a very good month of footy.
Tarwin coach Lachie Jones praised his side's solid effort to make it three consecutive wins.
"We were able to have all of our players contribute and play their role which is pleasing," Jones said, adding this weekend was "another really crucial match for us".
The Sharks have snuck under the guard of most with their three consecutive wins. If they can make it four in a row, the possibilities that await are many and, potentially, very rewarding.
Mirboo North v MDU
Mirboo North may have dropped one they could ill afford to against Morwell East last week. As a result, the importance of success against the odds this weekend against MDU is all the more important.
Mirboo North Damien Turner was disappointed but believes "we will be better for the hit out post the double bye".
"We couldn't get our game going and kept allowing East to play their physical strengths," Turner said. MDU at home next up. They have been impressive this year, so we need to be on our game."
"We have a strong relationship between the two clubs, so looking forward to a great day playing for the Spud Harris Cup," he added.
Each week seems to throw up a number of games in which victory is crucial, and this contest is another of those.
The Demons are well placed but no certainty to hold their position near the top of the table.
MDU coach Rhett Kelly expects a few players to return for this weekend to help settle the team.
"I have been super proud of the boys who have put their hand up and the way they have gone about it over the last few weeks," Kelly said. "It really shows the club has some great depth that they should be proud of."
Depth really is the key for success. As the long season drags itself through winter and players start to feel the physical pressure, having the ability to call in fresh soldiers when required is usually the difference between success and just falling short.
Stony Creek v Foster
It may not be the opposition you would choose to meet coming off a disappointing loss but Foster is what it is for Stony Creek. And, there is no sugar coating the enormity of the task facing the Lions.
However, the Lions would be hopeful that a return to their home ground might work in their favour.
Stony Creek coach Troy Shepherdson said Foster represented "another huge challenge" but "hopefully we can put in a strong performance on our home deck".
It will take something special. The Lions have already shown they are capable but the level to take on Foster is significant, especially given how well the Tigers are going.
"We were back to our best last week for a large amount of the game, a really strong four quarter effort," Foster coach Sam Davies said. "Off to the racecourse this weekend. The Stony Creek ground can be very tricky, depending on the conditions, and - as a lot of teams do - they play it really well."
Davies signalled they will put plenty of work into Stony Creek's midfielders and Kael Bergles down forward.
You get the feeling Stony Creek are just one unexpected win away from believing and then building a block of wins. This weekend would be a great one to win - and most unexpected.
Toora v Newborough
For Toora, it is a do-or-die clash. For Newborough, it is getting very close to being the same.
The Bulldogs, like the Magpies, are battling a long injury list. But, that will not be offered up as an excuse this weekend, given their efforts just a week ago.
Newborough coach Pat Frendo spoke of being extremely proud of how his boys went about it and, for the most part, stayed neck-and-neck with the benchmark of the competition.
Frendo said injuries resulted in two senior debutantes on Saturday, taking the season total to 11 first-time senior players, "which is just awesome for the club's development".
"After a couple (of) tough losses, we look ahead to a month of winnable football with a refreshed attitude," Frendo said.
A month of winning in this competition is a hard task, but doable, if good football and a little luck falls your way.
To date, both of these two sides have produced patches of good football, but have had very little in the way of luck.
Toora coach Jay Accardi said Newborough will be looking to get their season back on track when the teams meet on Saturday.
"As is every week, it will be another big challenge," Accardi said. "One that we will be looking to meet head on."
The 11 teams still in contention for the MGFNL finals will soon start to whittle away. This clash will start the process.
Bye: Morwell East