by Rob Popplestone

Round four was always going to deliver some home truths to clubs that had spent some time in struggle town as they attempted to find form they had trained so hard for in the pre-season.

The usual suspects had been up and about since round one, but there remained plenty of room for others wanting to remain in touch with the top group.
Newborough v Thorpdale
With each club coming off a loss, the pressure was already starting to build on both teams, even at this early stage of the season.
Thorpdale, acutely aware of the enormity of the task, had to confront a Bulldog side on the rebound at the dreaded "Kennel". With that in mind, the Blues came ready to play, bouncing out of the blocks and keeping the home side at arm's length for the entire day, winning by 26 points, 14-11-95 to 10-9-69.
Thorpdale coach Daniel Taylor said it was good to be back on the winners' list after a few disappointing weeks.
"We got off to a great start and had the game on our terms which was pleasing but I felt we didn't fully capitalise on the scoreboard.
"The second quarter was a real arm wrestle and then to Newborough's credit they got right on top in the third, mainly through their ball movement and hit the front at the last change.
"We challenged the boys at three quarter time and, to their credit, they responded in what was a pretty dominate quarter of footy, kicking 4.5 to 0.0. That was the most pleasing thing for me, the game was there to be won and we stood up when it mattered most - great team effort right across the board."
Thorpdale's form has been hard to follow early in the year, but the weekend proved the Blues have something special that is bubbling just below the surface, and the appropriate challenges at the right time can see them do what is required.
The Bulldogs don't often give one up at home, but behind the scenes the loss was not as important as a "new man" arriving.
Newborough coach Pat Frendo wasn't at the game, due to the birth of his son.
Captain Wade Anderson reported "Thorpdale came out red hot, capitalising on our costly skill errors early and showing bravery by repeatedly using the corridor to transition and score."
"We managed to wrestle momentum back in the third quarter, with several dangerous forwards converting their opportunities. However, with no rotations in the second half, we were unable to maintain that momentum, and Thorpdale ultimately proved too strong in the end."
Newborough will bounce back, as the Blues march forward, firstly with a week off to regroup and rejuvenate, and then to rattle the cage of another opposition.
Foster v Hill End
Foster are fast becoming recognised as one of the early season premiership contenders, as their form against good sides indicates sharp improvement on seasons gone by.
With some classy midfield, stoic defence and fine finishing, they are all syncing in team performances that are leaving opposition sides equally impressed.
The weekend was no exception, the home side comfortably accounting for the Rovers 22-16-148 to 4-8-32.
Foster coach Sam Davies said the playing group was really connecting well.
"We just need to make sure we keep our team first values and keep rewarding the runners to ensure we have positive reinforcement. Hill End, to their credit, cracked in and really challenged us for periods of the game."
The Tigers are raising eyebrows across the competition. Although there is a long way to go, the signs are glowing brightly that Foster are amongst the better few teams.
Hill End coach Adrian Burns said Foster was a really good side - "I almost think they could be competitive in the Gippsland League."
"Our boys did their best, attacked the ball, I can't question their effort at all. We're just not quite good enough at the moment."
For Foster, greater challenges await, whilst for Hill End, every week remains a challenge, but coach Burns is an experienced and resilient campaigner. With patience, he remains committed to going the journey, win, lose or draw.