by Rob Popplestone
Thorpdale will travel to Foster in quite possibly the match of the round in Mid Gippsland footy on Saturday.
Foster v Thorpdale
Both sides are coming off confidence building victories in round two.
Foster bounced back nicely with a victory over Mirboo North, the perfect tonic following the Tigers' round one debacle against Morwell East.
Meanwhile, Thorpdale made it two from two, albeit another close win in as many weeks.
Thorpdale coach Jason Winderlich said playing Foster on their home deck would be another step up this week after they played themselves into form.
"We are expecting them to have a few key inclusions this week also, which makes the challenge even greater," Winderlich said.
That observation by Winderlich is a most interesting one. Foster can indeed show rapid improvement on the back of having access to locals who now call the CBD home, but are still very much connected to their community and their club.
Foster coach Sam Davies labelled this a really big game for his club.
"They've recruited heavily and Jas has them winning close games early," Davies said. "They'll be in the top few later in the year, so it's a big test."
Thorpdale is probably seen as one of the "hunted" clubs given that assumption they are considered to be one of those towards the top of the ladder at season's end. But, the Tigers themselves can very quickly cause damage if left unchecked or underestimated at any time.
Hill End v Newborough
The first fortnight has been tough for Hill End and things are very unlikely to be any better this weekend.
They host a Newborough side buoyed by a come from behind win over Yinnar.
The Rovers' home deck can be troublesome for visiting sides, no matter the position of the Hillsmen on the ladder. However, it will take an almighty effort to stop the Bulldogs in their current form.
"It's going to be a real tough day for us on Saturday, no doubt about it," Hill End coach Ambu Uliando said. "We suffered a few injuries in round two against Toora, so this will really test our depth."
They say you only ever lose, if you don't learn. That is certainly the message for the Rovers as they battle for their first victory. They will slowly be putting the pieces together for eventual success.
Newborough coach Craig Skinner said this week was another challenge and opportunity to take the four points.
"It's a ground that we have struggled to perform on in the past as we play to retain the Byrne/Fanning Cup," Skinner noted.
Newborough will start the game as hot favourites. But, as much as winning is important, so too is the way in which victory is achieved. For Skinner's men, they will also have an eye on more sizeable challenges ahead.
Yinnar v Fish Creek
Yinnar has jumped out of the Newborough frying pan and this week will be in the Fish Creek fire.
The Magpies were super impressive, even in defeat, last week. Only 30 minutes of last quarter football had their five-goal lead eaten away by a contender in Newborough.
This week they face reigning champs in the Kangaroos.
"Everyone feeling well rested after the week off," reported Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker. "We are looking forward to Yinnar, always a tough match up."
"They've got a few quick forwards that will be dangerous and keep our defenders on their toes," he said. "It will be a great battle in the midfield, with a few coming back for us to help with rotations through the middle. I feel like Yinnar will be a team to watch this year, so will be a good test for us."
That has certainly been true in the first fortnight of football. The interest will be in seeing how they can bounce back from such a disappointing loss in round two.
"Our focus shifts onto Fish Creek and we are looking forward to learning how our brand stacks up against last year's premiers," Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch said.
The early signs are that the Magpies brand of footy will stack up well against every side in the competition. But, the competition is seemingly so even, and the slightest lapses during games can prove to be costly.
Boolarra v Tarwin
This is set to be a really intriguing clash for two teams coming off losses. However, they were far from disgraced in the result.
Boolarra matched it for most of the day with a seemingly first-class Morwell East side, and Tarwin likewise against an impressive MDU.
This week is a crucial clash for both clubs.
"With both teams coming off a loss, we will have to play better again if we want to get back on the winners' list," Boolarra coach Brendan Mason said.
The Demons are very much around the mark. But, you get the feeling being around the mark might be good enough to trouble the top six sides. Improvement every week will be required.
"Last week was a solid first hit out away at MDU," Tarwin coach Jason Kennedy reflected. "We put in a solid effort, but in the end it was tough to hold on after being down to one on the bench in the second quarter against a team who were keen to get their first win."
"Now we head to Boolarra to continue to build on a few things," Kennedy added.
Tarwin's take out of last week's loss is just as that of Boolarra, keep working on those things that you can control. There is never the perfect game but there can be perfect moments at the right time. That will make the difference in the league ladder as the season continues to unfold.
Morwell East v Toora
Morwell East have started the season with a stride in their step and a confident strut. Why wouldn't there be, given their two-zero start to the year.
Both wins were completed in an impressive fashion and away from home.
This week the Hawks have their first chance to show their local support just what they have put together for season 2024.
"We look forward to showcasing our newly renovated facilities this week, when we welcome Toora to the Hawk's Nest," coach Paul Henry said.
Toora coach Jack Weston is viewing the game as another chance to test against quality opposition.
"Morwell East look to be in great touch early," Weston said. "If we can win the midfield battle and continue to defend well, we will give ourselves every opportunity."
Believing you can is the start of unlikely victories, the saying goes. Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're probably right. Therefore, the approach of Weston is a positive start to what looms as a massive challenge ahead.
Stony Creek v Mirboo North
Good sides don't lose two games in a row. Or, at least that's what most coaches will have their team believe.
Expect a quick response from the Kangaroos when they host a Tigers side still trying to find their mojo in the early part of season 2024.
"Bit of a reality check for us early will be a good thing," Stony Creek coach Chris Verboon said. "We will go over the game and learn from it."
Looking to the home game against Mirboo North, Verboon said "the focus will be playing our style of footy".
Verboon has been around long enough and played at a level high enough to know that things don't always go as planned. However, having players knowing that and reacting accordingly with what they face within the game, is an important factor in grabbing a win.
Mirboo North coach Damien Turner is under no illusions as to what he and his Tiger team may be likely to front up for this weekend. But, he is eager to keep his boys up and eager for the challenge.
"We head down to Stony Creek this weekend who will be looking to bounce back," Turner said. "The boys are ready to get into it for another week."
The Tigers are still a little way off where they might like to be. However, with each week they take a small step forward. That is the secret in finally reaching the goal you desire.
Mind you there are still quite a few steps to be taken.
Bye: MDU