by Rob Popplestone

Without question, Fish Creek versus Hill End is game of the round for quite a few reasons.

Fish Creek is one of a handful of sides with sights set on a top two position on the ladder, and five into two just won’t go.

The Kangaroos may have drawn Hill End at the right time too.  The Rovers, by their own admission, have been hit hard by injuries, with at least three of their first-choice players unavailable.

The talent pool runs deep, and they will need every inch of it when they make the trip to Fish Creek’s home ground this week. 

The worst-case scenario is coach Mike Santo will have to put on the boots again.  Not that that’s a bad thing given he bagged himself a handful of goals the last time he was forced to do it earlier this year.

In games such as this, coaches will consider how much do they give up to win a game.

Four premiership points is all well and good, but is it worth giving up too much that could be exposed when the real stuff starts in just over a month?

Both teams have experienced and cunning coaches, who obviously want to win.  But both will also be looking very closely on who does what, on what works or not; all with a view of it working to their advantage come finals time.

Newborough v Thorpdale

This one is an intriguing match-up between two sides giving 100 per cent on a weekly basis.  They are not always winning, but able to walk off the ground on any given Saturday with their heads held high.

Both teams have attacked sides above them and below with an equal amount of vigour and tenacity.  What might actually be the difference this week will be ball use, game plan, concentration and conversion of opportunities.

It’s this “class” component of the game that both sides are working on and will be the determining factor in the outcome.

Both sides have a bye remaining in the final five rounds and remain in the danger zone towards the bottom of the ladder, only a game or two ahead of the winless Stony Creek.

A win by Thorpdale takes the pressure off.  A win by Newborough still has both under pressure but at least with a “little” breathing space between them and the Lions.

There is a lot to play for, even when sometimes there appears to be just four points.

Boolarra v Yinnar

As straightforward as this clash may appear on the surface, a couple of factors should be taken into consideration before automatically declaring Yinnar the winner.

One is the Magpies have not played for more than a month after being scheduled to a bye after a month-long COVID break.  The second is they face a side at home, coming off an impressive win the week prior.

You get the feeling the Demons are only one “shock” win from believing they are capable of doing more damage than what they actually do.

For too long Boolarra have promised plenty, delivered little and frustrated coaches and supporters alike.  But could this week be the week they turn the corner?

Yinnar certainly has plenty to play for.  Sitting in fifth place on the MGFNL ladder - only one game clear of eighth place, continuing to win is an obvious priority.

The Magpies have already rued being beaten by less than a kick on two occasions this season and, given their tenuous position, they can ill afford a loss against a side below them at this late stage.

You wouldn’t have the courage to tip against the Magpies.  But as much as Boolarra can disappoint at times, they will make the final aspirant work for every possession.

Foster v Morwell East

Morwell East’s courageous performance against Hill End will mean absolutely nothing unless it is backed by an equally good performance this week against another of the league’s best sides in Foster.

The Hawks finally got off to a “flier” last week, possibly for the first time this season, when they took on the Rovers.  It was that sort of mindset, backed by performance, that would have pleased coach Devon Soutar, even in a loss.  But whether that was a “flash in the pan” or realisation of what is required will be shown in the first 30 minutes against the Tigers.

Foster had all the momentum prior to the enforced break, but that will again need to be built.  Last week’s opposition in Stony Creek was a good starting point, but you would expect the fight from the Hawks to be even fiercer.  When that ferocity is complimented by above average personal and a solid game plan, you know a game is on your hands.

Foster wants a top two spot and it’s of no surprise.  But if they don't get over Morwell East this week, a top two spot will be under threat.  That might be just enough to have them win the game.

Stony Creek v Mirboo North

If Stony Creek can defeat Mirboo North, even at its home ground, I'll walk between the two towns for charity.

There is little hope the Lions can trouble the Tigers.  But what they can do and have done several times is tough it out and win some “battles” around the ground.

In clashes like this between top and bottom, sometimes it's easier to forget the scoreboard and concentrate on winning areas of the match.  It might be centre clearances of contested football, intercept marks or even the tackle count.

The point being that if you focus on winning one, two or even three nominated areas of a game, who knows where you might find yourself late in a contest.

The Tigers were a bit rusty last week but expect a different side with that run under their belt.

Without question they are a top four side and after a top two finish.  A top two side doesn’t lose matches like this.

Toora v Tarwin

It's been an extraordinary year of change for most football clubs around the country, but none more so than those clubs from the former Alberton League.

After restrictions placed on us all by covid, floods have added to their woes in more recent times.  And when you add entering a new, more competitive 13-team competition, well, it's obvious the pressure can start to mount.

It hasn't broken these two clubs and coaches, the Magpies' Luke Manders and the Sharks' Mark Garnham, but in fact made them stronger and more resilient.

The evidence might not be so obvious just yet.  But as both try and find some reason to celebrate small wins during what remains of this year, planning will also be in place for an improved 2022 season.

Tarwin is likely to win this weekend and there will be still more in the weeks ahead, but possibly not enough for a finals spot.

Toora too will have its chances in the final five weeks, but the best it can hope is to make life a misery for those around them.