by Rob Popplestone
Only one game separates sides placed second through to seventh on the MGFNL ladder at the start of the second half of the 2022 home and away season.
Every match is now crucial, both for those teams inside the top six and also for those wanting to steal a spot from those teams above them.
Thorpdale v Fish Creek
It hasn't been a season to forget for Thorpdale; rather a season from which to learn.
However, this test on the weekend will show whether the Blues have been paying attention, or just spending their Saturday afternoons playing around.
After a strong start to the season, Fish Creek are fragile. The last month has been a tough journey for the Kangaroos and if they were ready for the taking, it is this week. But it won't be easy.
"We look forward to heading over to Thorpdale for the first time and hopefully getting on the winners' list," Fish Creek coach John Danckert said.
A win won't turn the Kangaroos' season around but it would be just reward for effort against the odds in recent weeks, where they have battled manfully despite being well short of their best starting 18.
That said, the same could be stated for their opponents Thorpdale who would like nothing more than a home ground win for their faithful supporters and community.
Yinnar v Hill End
After a month of success, Yinnar are just a win away from reeling in some quality clubs above them and leaving them in their wake.
Currently fifth, success against Hill End could have the Magpies jump up to third and within striking distance of a coveted top two spot.
The problem for the home side is simple - the Rovers have no intention of giving this one up.
"Hopefully we can turn things around in the back half of the season, with some average draw making from the league that's not really in our favour," Hill End coach Mike Santo said.
It's a tough draw for the Hillsmen, but one thing is for certain. If they can hold a position in the top four, they would certainly have earned it.
But for this week, it's all about Yinnar.
After three road trips in a row to South Gippsland, Yinnar coach Daniel Taylor is looking forward to playing on their home deck against the Hillmen.
"They are a good side and Santo will have his boys fired up and looking to bounce back," Taylor said. "We will be ready for that. It's a massive game for both clubs."
At the end of the year, the top two clubs will play their first final with the winner getting direct entry into the 2022 grand final. Both of these sides want that opportunity.
Boolarra v Tarwin
Boolarra had been cruising into season 2022, seemingly without a care in the world. The Demons hit the halfway mark of the season in the cosy position of third on the ladder and life was good.
One week later, and the Demons are under pressure from those below and, this weekend also, from those above.
Tarwin have transformed from surprising league leaders to giant killers. Their demolition of Hill End now has the Sharks as firm premiership favourites.
"This week we go to Boolarra where they enjoy the contest, so we need to regroup and make sure we are ready for a strong contest," Tarwin coach Troy Hemming said.
Boolarra are well aware of the contest that awaits them. But if ever there was a chance to make a strong statement after their disappointing loss of last week, this is it.
"Last week put us right back in the pack now with more big games to come, none bigger than the top side in Tarwin," Boolarra coach Tony Giardina said.
Most have been waiting for Tarwin to falter. But the truth is, there really hasn't even been a hint of that happening to date.
Foster v Toora
There were always going to be some movers and shakers in the competition, but many were not sure who was going to grab hold of the wheel and drive their club into finals contention.
Foster's success over Boolarra last week has the Tigers ready to take their spot towards the front of the grid.
Currently seventh on the MGFNL ladder, but amazingly just one win from second spot, they are almost certainly assured of yet another victory this week against Toora.
Foster coach Sam Davies is looking forward to playing Toora for the first time since 2019.
A lot has changed in the past three years, for both clubs. The Tigers are starting to play the type of football that has them heading for far greater success, and Toora are simply standing in their way this weekend.
It might be hard to see just where Toora's first win of the season is going to come from, but no one is questioning their effort.
The Magpies are sure to bob up at some stage, maybe even when you least expect it.
Morwell East v Mirboo North
There is only one thing more pleasing for a coach than his side winning a match and securing the four premiership points. That's winning a match, securing the four points and killing off an opposition side at the same time.
Morwell East has this on offer on Saturday. A win would give them a firmer grip on a top six spot and also end any finals aspirations for their opponent in Mirboo North.
"It's a huge game for the season this week against Morwell East, who had a really good win last weekend," Mirboo North coach Josh Taylor said. "It is a must win for our season."
The Tigers positivity of making finals remains, but odds are well and truly stacked against them. There is now no room for error and "50-50" games like this one are must wins.
On the field, Morwell East are laying the foundation for an assault on this year's finals. Off the field, the club is preparing and planning for the years ahead and climbing back to their successful and glory days of years gone by.
Stony Creek v MDU
The competition has been hot all through the year in the Mid Gippsland competition. In fact, it has been so hot that these two clubs have started to feel the heat.
Stony Creek have stumbled in the past fortnight and one more wrong step could have the Lions fall out of contention altogether.
That said, the same applies to MDU. The Demons have dished up some contrasting performances this year, but one more loss in a 50-50 game like this would mean a tough road ahead.
The coaches of both clubs are matter of fact about where they sit and what this week's clash means.
"MDU is a must win for us this week and we cannot wait," Stony Creek's Jai Acardi stated.
"We need to turn things around for this week now," MDU coach Peter Harris said.
Given the enormity of the game and what hangs on the end of a favourable result, you would expect a finals-like performance from both teams in a match that is deserving of a big crowd.
BYE - Newborough