by Rob Popplestone
With all teams already having met each other once, Mid Gippsland football sides will have an understanding of what they can expect from their opponents second time around.
While the news looks positive for some teams, others will realise they have a tough task on their hands.
Hill End v Stony Creek
In normal circumstances - and given that Hill End are yet to win a game - you could be forgiven for thinking Stony Creek will just turn up and win this game. But, there seems to be a quiet confidence building at Willow Grove.
"This week we travel to Hill End to play in the Carlton Draft game, which will be great for Hill End who are still looking to get their first win for the year," Stony Creek coach Troy Shepherdson said. "Our boys have plans to spoil the party."
The Rovers will welcome West Coast premiership player Will Schofield, whose experience coupled with the excitement of the local community might just be enough for the home side to find something extra.
"Last week we played some really good football at times and it was great to see the young fellas kick a score," Hill End coach Adrian Burns said. "If this club can keep and move forward with the youngsters, I see some better days ahead."
Looking forward to Schofield's inclusion, Burns said "that will give the squad and the community something extra and also give our young squad a chance to keep learning along the way".
The Lions are mathematically still a chance to climb their way from their current position of 10th to sixth, but mathematically and reality can be a fair way apart. What is certain, however, is that if they lose on Saturday, it's over.
Thorpdale v Mirboo North
Thorpdale sit fifth and Mirboo North in seventh position on the MGFNL ladder, the Tigers just a win behind the Blues. This result on Saturday is crucial to both teams.
Mirboo North coach Damien Turner said he was looking forward to taking on his great mate, Thorpdale coach Daniel "Tac" Taylor, at Thorpdale.
"A massive game for both teams and they are coming off a tight tussle with Stony Creek," Turner said. "We have a great relationship with Thorpdale and can't wait to get over there for a big day of footy and netball."
As big as the day is and as respectful as both clubs are towards each other, make no mistake that whatever needs to be done to win will be done.
Taylor said he was feeling "pretty confident" after the Blues' big win last week.
"I sound like a broken record but, once again, it's a massive game for our season moving forward," Taylor said. "Looking forward to it."
Thorpdale win and they almost certainly get to hold a spot in the top six. But, should they lose, the Blues will be in the fight of their lives against as many as five teams for just two positions that look available in the top six.
Foster v MDU
This is a clash worthy of a big crowd. Two genuine finals contenders, one is coming off a freshen up and the other off maybe their most comprehensive victory of the season.
MDU coach Rhett Kelly said his side enjoyed the weekend off, "which gave us a chance to refresh ourselves for what will be a big block of games to finish off the home and away season, playing four out of the top six sides".
"We are excited about the challenge and it will really show us where we are at by the season's end," Kelly said. "Foster this weekend is a great way to start it off, and I know the boys are super keen to get out there against the ladder leaders."The top of the table Tigers really made a statement in round 12. This weekend is a chance to apply the pressure to a visiting Demons side in an expected finals-like atmosphere.
"Massive game against MDU this week," Foster coach Sam Davies said. "They're fresh off a bye, Rhett has said they've got players coming back in, so it's going to be a red hot battle. It's a great time of year for a challenge and I know they'll be up for it to prove they're a top team."
If the Demons can manage to win this one against the odds, they would most certainly have locked a top six spot away. However, with some strong competition on the horizon, a loss would mean some hard work remains.
Fish Creek v Tarwin
Fish Creek welcome a Tarwin side that has been hit from pillar to post and still reeling from their worst defeat of the season.
The Sharks just couldn't get their game together against Yinnar seven days ago, and they wouldn't want a repeat of that performance - or things could get ugly very quickly.
"We were really outclassed all over the ground last week," Tarwin coach Lachie Jones said. "We prepared well but didn't execute in so many key areas."
"We won't dwell on this too much and will look to respond positively next week against Fish Creek," Jones added.
The Kangaroos have not hit any heady heights as yet. But, mind you, they are doing everything required to position themselves ideally come finals.
"A hard fought win for us against Boolarra last week, who definitely came to play," Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker said. "Looking forward to next week against Tarwin, a team we've had some good battles with over the years and are usually pretty close games. Hopefully, with a few guys coming back, we can put on a good show."
Tarwin, currently sitting sixth position on the MGFNL ladder, will find themselves surrounded by as many as four clubs; some just percentage behind and others just a game behind if they were to suffer another loss this week. In short, the pressure is on.
Newborough v Morwell East
Wins have been rare for Morwell East this season. However, the Hawks will give themselves a chance this weekend as they make their way to the Kennel to take on Newborough.
The Bulldogs, like themselves, were on the end of a fair beating in round 12. They are not expected to put up the sort of performance Foster did in the week prior.
"We have had some big defeats this year," Morwell East coach Paul Henry said. "The weekend's defeat at the hands of Foster was something else. They are the best team we've played this year."
"Off to Newborough this week," Henry added. "Two struggling teams. Hopefully we can come home victorious."
A win for the Hawks will be a small reward for a testing and trying year. But, a win for the Bulldogs is likely to have them just one game outside of the top six with five rounds of the home and away season remaining.
"We face Morwell East this week who will be a different challenge again," Newborough coach Pat Frendo said. "Hoping to get back into the winners' list as we head into the final handful of games for the season."
The Bulldogs have battled manfully against a host of injuries and unavailability, but there can be excuses for them this week. If they want to be a part of the finals action, this clash cannot be lost.
Toora v Boolarra
Toora have made somewhat of an unexpected move up the MGFNL ladder. A series of wins over the past month has them believing and playing a really attractive style of football.
The Magpies did what was required against Hill End last week. A similar result this weekend could have them just a game outside the top six.
Toora coach Jay Accardi said his side was coming off a tough encounter with Hill End, "a young side who didn't take a backward step".
"They are a far better side than their ladder position suggests," Accardi added. "We now look forward to Boolarra who are always a tricky opponent."
Tricky as they are, Boolarra are also a little fragile at the moment. A series of injuries has them short of their best.
However, as they showed last week against Fish Creek, they are not ready to give it up just yet.
Boolarra coach Brendan Mason said Toora present a huge challenge on the road.
"Whilst we may not have a top two side this week, we face a resurgent team in a Jack Weston-led side who have found a way to kick some big scores in the last month," Mason said. "Our backs will have to be at the top of the game to keep the scoreboard to a manageable level as we look to get a run of wins heading into the back end of the season."
You would think that thoughts of finals can be forgotten by the losing side. With just a month and a half of the home and away season to go, every minute of every game is crucial; none more so than the minutes and game in front of both sides this weekend.
Bye: Yinnar.