by Rob Popplestone
Another week, another handful of crucial clashes as Mid Gippsland football heads into round seven on Saturday.
One of two games may determine seasons, a couple should firm up finals hopes and one in particular will determine who leads the competition at the halfway mark.
Boolarra v Thorpdale
Both teams have three wins beside their names, so victory this weekend provides prime position to go on to bigger and better things as the season unfolds.
Boolarra started the year with a bang, winning their first three. But, they have dropped a trio of games since then. Getting back on the winners' list is crucial.
Boolarra coach Brendan Mason said he was looking forward to another big clash against the Blues.
"We will be keen to put on a better performance at home and keep our noses in front of the ledger by going four-three with a victory," Mason said.
That sort of record will put the Demons back in touch with the top six, and that's where the Blues sit right now.
Given they have won three from five and have had a bye, the Blues have a short-term edge over the Demons.
"This is another big game this week out at Boolarra," Thorpdale coach Daniel Taylor said. "After a tough three weeks, they'll be pretty desperate to bounce back, so we'll have to be at our best."
Taylor is correct in his expectations of his side, especially given Boolarra can be a tough proposition on their home deck.
Mirboo North v Stony Creek
This clash also looms as a crucial one for both teams. The Tigers are currently eighth and the Lions seventh; both just one victory from the league's top six.
Not much more than that needs to be said. The importance of winning is staring both coaches in the face.
Mirboo North coach Damien Turner said the Lions have had a chance to freshen up and expects another tough game of football.
"We will sharpen up on a few points throughout the week and keep pushing," Turner said.
The Tigers had a great club day in round six, winning eight games of a possible nine over both football and netball. Now they turn their attention to yet another tough proposition.
Stony Creek coach Troy Shepherdson was pleased with their last game after getting a few key personnel back.
"We've had the bye and we've freshened up," Shepherdson added.
For the winner, a potential position inside the league's top six awaits. For the loser, some work to do over the next three months of the home and away season.
Morwell East v Toora
This is almost the last roll of the dice for Morwell East and, for that matter, Toora as well.
Both clubs would have liked to have had a couple more wins under their belt, and both would most definitely like to be part of a finals campaign. Surely, this is their last chance.
Morwell East coach Paul Henry said his side battled hard last week.
"Now back home this week against Toora in a must-win if finals are on the cards," Henry said.
Toora too understands the importance of bouncing back, especially after last week's defeat.
Toora coach Jay Accardi said it was a "really tough loss" against Mirboo North "who had a crack all day".
"Quite a few missed opportunities in front of goal and some undisciplined acts were very costly," Accardi said. "In a tight contest, unfortunately, they are the difference."
"So now we face another big challenge against Morwell East, who play their ground extremely well," he added.
Keeping players motivated is tough to do when wins are hard to come by. The task gets even tougher when we find ourselves in winter.
Tarwin v Newborough
Equally matched sides with contrasting fortunes will meet in this clash, with the result having a major impact on the winner's fortunes.
Newborough sit in sixth position. However, they could find themselves a few rungs down the ladder if they can't get over Tarwin on their home ground.
Newborough coach Pat Frendo said the Bulldogs "don't really know what to expect from the Sharks" as they head over the hill this weekend.
"But we're sure it's going to be a tough contest as are all the South Gippy teams," Frendo said.
The Sharks really served it up to league leaders Foster last week. Their biggest hurdle at the moment is getting their best players on the park.
"A few injuries again doesn't help the cause, but we will keep persisting," Tarwin coach Lachie Jones said after Saturday's game.
Jones said the Sharks see this weekend "as a massive opportunity to win the game and play four quarters".
The Sharks might currently sit seventh, but a top six spot is just a win and percentage away.
Yinnar v Foster
Now this is a match that is worth making plans for.
Yinnar, on the rebound after a three-point loss, is at home to an impressive Foster side that has strung together five wins in a row to be placed number one on the MGFNL ladder.
"Can't wait to have the opportunity to respond and redeem ourselves against Foster," Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch said. "Will be a good test to see where we are at the moment against what looks like the team to beat right now."
Foster has done it ugly, has done pretty and will do it anyway that gets them the points. As good as they have been, coach Sam Davies is under no illusions as to what is required this weekend against last year's grand finalists.
"Fresh off a loss, so they'll want to bounce back," Davies said. "We look forward to seeing them at full strength and seeing where we are at."
It promises to be a high standard encounter that will showcase a little of all facets of the game - individual brilliance, high skills, great team strategies and plenty of courage.
Bye: Hill End.