by Rob Popplestone
With only four weeks of home and away football remaining before finals, plenty of scenarios remain as to how the top six might unfold.
For some sides, their destiny may well be decided earlier rather than later.
Hill End v Yinnar
Hill End have faced their own pressures on quite a few occasions this year. This week, they can transfer the pressure to their opponents if they claim victory on their own home ground.
Yinnar have lost at least a handful of games this season by less than a goal, yet on their day have the ability to beat the very best teams in the competition.
That all said, if the Magpies drop yet another game this week at the hands of a better than average Rovers side, their chances of a finals appearance will be dramatically impacted.
"Put the injuries aside, if you can't follow simple instructions, can't hit a target and refuse to man up, then you won't win many games of footy," Yinnar coach Daniel Taylor said of his team's effort on Saturday.
Essentially, the Rovers have the potential to kill off a very dangerous opponent's season this week. That sort of motivation drives Rovers coach Mike Santo.
There are probably eight, maybe even nine sides, that might warrant a finals appearance in a month. To earn that right, there can be no excuse for not winning games like this.
Thorpdale v Morwell East
Morwell East will make the trip to Thorpdale under no illusions of what is required - win or the season is as good as over!
The Hawks have shown only glimpses of what they are capable of this year, but it's been too little on too few occasions.
It must be said Morwell East are currently in the top six, but it's just as much about those around not taking their chances as it is their own limited impressive performances.
In short, it's time to deliver.
You expect the Hawks will against an out of sorts Thorpdale after a bye and a disappointing loss prior.
"Frustrated sums up the group right now, and after 12 games straight we're screaming for a spell," Morwell East coach Devon Soutar said prior to the week off.
That spell has been had and time is starting to run out for the Hawks. In fact, looking at the home and away fixture as it stands, they may not know their finals destiny - if there is one - until the very last game of the season when they confront Yinnar.
Firstly, they must beat Thorpdale.
Fish Creek v MDU
Stranger things have probably happened than Fish Creek stealing a spot in the MGFNL top six. But I can't think of one just at the moment.
If the Kangaroos do what is expected and beat MDU this weekend, what seemed like an impossibility would all of a sudden change to unlikely. If they continue to win week after week it continues to improbable, followed by possibly.
Fish Creek coach John Danckert says "we have enormous motivation heading into this week against MDU".
The Kangaroos have been finding a way to win as each challenge presents, and this week will be another hurdle for the home side.
MDU coach Peter Harris and his team head to Terrill Park for the first time in a while.
"No doubt Fishy will be keen to get the points this time, so we will need to make sure we improve a few things at training this week to give ourselves a chance," Harris said.
The dream can continue for Fish Creek on the back of another win. A loss, however, will have them stopped dead in their tracks, and you get the feeling that the Demons are more than happy to see that happen.
Newborough v Foster
After beating top of the table Tarwin, Newborough may well believe the challenge of Foster does not require the same preparation, attitude, attack on the ball, discipline, concentration and selflessness. But they would be wrong.
Foster have managed to fly just under the radar in recent months despite their fourth placing on the league ladder. The Tigers would also be well aware that victory against Newborough might have them vying for an unlikely challenge at second position.
"Looking forward to a replay with Foster at home in front of our past premiership players this Saturday," Newborough coach Craig Skinner said. "They have been on a steady improve and will be hard to beat. To be the best, you have to beat the best."
The challenge for the Tigers comes as Foster come off both good form and a bye, which will have them cherry ripe.
"The bye was great for the boys - we needed it," Foster coach Sam Davies said. "Newborough at their home deck after rolling Tarwin, looms as the toughest test. Looks like they've added a pretty handy mid to their team in the last couple of weeks as well."
To say a lot rides on this game is an understatement. A win is crucial for both, a loss means some more pressure. But you know what they say.
Stony Creek v Toora
The Lions have been about as courageous a side as any in the competition this season. Despite not getting the result they wanted last week, those sides around them - also fighting for a top six spot - did the right thing by suffering a similar fate. This has kept Stony Creek's season alive.
A win is possible for the Lions, but it won't be as easy as turning up and going through the motions, even against a side that has managed just the last win for the year.
The Magpies have been honest and aggressive in almost every contest they have confronted, but they will have to show even more to upset the Lions on their home deck.
"After the bye we are ready for a big game this week against Toora," Stony Creek coach Jay Accardi said.
Toora might not be the favourites, but coach Matt Ponton was happy with the effort last week and hopeful of seeing it again in a winnable game.
"We fought hard all day, both teams played with aggression which excited the fans," Ponton said. "Our running and attack on the ball got the Toora fans excited as well."
Chances for Toora have been rare in season 2022. If they happen upon another opportunity this week, it might kill off the season for Stony Creek who still have finals aspirations.
BYE: Boolarra, Mirboo North and Tarwin.