by Nicholas Duck
There's just the one match between members of the top six this week, with Warragul Industrials looking to repeat recent history as Phillip Island comes to town.
Warragul Industrials vs Phillip Island
Another week, another test for Warragul Industrials, who this week welcome the rampaging Phillip Island to Western Park.
The Dusties are on track for another finals appearance this year, but like last season have struggled to overcome the top teams.
The exception to that rule was, of course, the last time Phillip Island made the trip to Warragul.
Yes, in round 12 of 2022 it was the Dusties who took it up to the all-conquering Bulldogs, putting on a relentless hunt to keep the visitors to just one goal in the second half on their way to a 38-point win.
And although they couldn't quite repeat the feat in that year's preliminary final - one of the best country footy games you'll ever see mind you - this is a chance for the Dusties to take confidence into the final few weeks of the season.
They'll need to be at the very top of their game, given the calibre and form of their opposition.
Phillip Island hold the longest winning streak in the competition at 10 straight games, with eight of those wins by 50 points or more and four of them by 100 or more.
It's a terrifying prospect for any side to come up against, but the Dusties will be hoping that history can repeat itself.
Garfield vs Cora Lynn
Fresh off their fourth win of the season, Garfield now turns their attention to a tough match-up with Cora Lynn.
The Stars have had another year full of challenges, but the improvement has been evident.
They were easily able to dispatch of Bunyip last week as they showed a ruthlessness that they lacked for the entirety of 2022.
Garfield's competitiveness against the sides around them hasn't been the issue - it's their performances against the best that still need some work.
The Stars have been thumped on more than one occasion by teams inside the top six. Just two weeks ago they were held goalless by Inverloch-Kongwak.
It makes this week a good test as the Cobras come to town.
Cora Lynn have been thereabouts this season, falling just two points short to the reigning premiers last week.
This is a game they'll want to finish off quickly given a home final could be on the line.
They were given an almighty scare the last time they faced the Stars as they trailed at three quarter time before coming home strong.
For the Cobras, the last thing they want is to give the underdogs a sniff.
Bunyip vs Inverloch-Kongwak
Fourteen games for no wins is hard reading for Bunyip fans. The Bulldogs have been forced into a complete rebuild of their senior football side and it's led to some serious pain along the way.
And it doesn't get any easier this week as they meet the ladder leaders.
The Bulldogs would have entered last round's match with Garfield with some hope of an upset given their proximity on the table.
Instead, they failed to fire a shot in the first quarter and the game was essentially settled by the first break.
Now the task of upsetting Inverloch-Kongwak - who are coming off their first loss of the season - appears an insurmountable one.
The Bulldogs are very much staring down the barrel of a winless season and it's hard to see them changing that here.
Instead the only question may just be how much damage is done before the final siren.
Other games
Nar Nar Goon travel to Dalyston brimming with confidence.
Who wouldn't be after being the first team to beat Inverloch-Kongwak?
Dalyston's slim finals hopes rest on being able to cause a few upsets on the run home and this would be the best place to start.
Kilcunda Bass will look to bounce back when they host Koo wee rup.
The Panthers were left a little shocked when they became just the second team to succumb to Korumburra Bena last week.
Sure, finals were pretty much already gone for them, but pride is another thing entirely.
Koo wee rup have been competitive in recent weeks without much reward, so expect them to see this as a chance for a late-season win.
Finally, Tooradin-Dalmore play Korumburra Bena.
Believe it or not, both these teams come into this one on a two-game winning streak despite the disparity between them on the ladder.
Still, the Seagulls should be getting the job done here.