by Rob Popplestone
Let's be clear, real finals football is still months away.
But, in many ways, it's actually happening right now, with round four to feature contests almost certain to have an impact on a club's chances of playing amongst the real action in August and September.
Thorpdale v Stony Creek
Tipped to be one of the big improvers, an impressive 2023 had the Blues set for even bigger things.
But, three games in, the evenness of the competition coupled with the physicality leaving several players unavailable has coach Jason Winderlich calling on his considerable experience to find a way through.
"We are expecting another tough game this week against a team we feel will finish around the same ladder position as us," Winderlich said. "We will have to get creative with player positions with the changes we will need to make. Great to have such an open competition again this year."
Winderlich's response is what you might expect. Realising the challenge, embracing it and having his team excited by it.
Stony Creek also understands the importance of this match. It is a clash that the Lions are ready, willing and more than able to rise to.
Stony Creek coach Chris Verboon said it would be a great challenge for his team.
"Always love seeing the bag of spuds they give away at the end of the game," Verboon commented. "Looking forward to the hit out."
As enjoyable and as fun as it is to see who might walk away with the bag of spuds, it will be the four premiership points that mean the most.
Fish Creek v Hill End
There is only one thing more concerning for a side still searching for their first win of the season to take on the reigning premiers.
That's taking on the reigning premiers a week after they have been beaten.
Fish Creek were beaten fair and square in round three by Yinnar, and good sides do not get beaten two times in a row.
"This week we need to really focus on how we want to be moving the ball and defending the ground," Kangaroos coach Jarrod Walker said. "Ticking off some KPIs that we lacked from this week will be key for us."
"Hill End has had a tough fixture to this point, so I don't think their results are a true reflection of where they are at," Walker added. "We will need to be switched on from the start."
There is little chance of a victory for the Rovers based on all the evidence. But, that's not to say that the Hillsmen cannot have little wins within the game that continues to point them in the right direction.
Possibly coach Ambu Uliando's biggest challenge is keeping his men motivated in a season where just turning up is a win of sorts in itself.
"Happy to be heading down to Fish Creek early in the season," Uliando said. "We will have a few key players out with injury, which will be challenging."
Coach Uliando was under no illusions as to how tough the role was going to be when he took the reins from Mike Santo. He, like his supporters, are deserving of some good fortune sooner rather than later.
MDU v Boolarra
This is one of those contests to have an impact on finals footy.
"We are feeling refreshed after the weekend off," MDU coach Nathan Allen said. "Looking forward to a tough contest against Boolara this week to begin a tough run of games."
Allen also noted the weekend results, adding "it looks like this season will be closer than last".
It certainly does not get any easier for any club in the competition. MDU can attest to that after a challenging start to the year, as can Boolarra, who have also shown they have what it takes to mix it with the very best.
"We were outplayed for three quarters to a team that wanted to work harder and wanted it more," Boolarra coach Brendan Mason said. "We now have another tough game this week against MDU on their home ground."
Boolarra are unquestionably an honest side, and will have to be against MDU. It is only early in the season, but they have proven to have the qualities to take several steps forward this season.
Tarwin v Foster
Both of these teams displayed courage in their respective round three victories, possessing the required internal fortitude to compliment their footballing ability.
Tarwin had to claw back into a game in which they were outplayed early by Boolarra, and Foster stood up physically in a brutal game against Thorpdale.
Foster coach Sam Davies signalled he had three players injured in that game and would have to "find players from everywhere this week against Tarwin to fill spots".
The challenge to find more soldiers to turn up is real and will no doubt test the Tigers as they prepare for the Sharks on their home ground.
Tarwin coach Jason Kennedy noted different results each week.
"We just have to take our chances when we get them and, given it's our first home game in round four, it's a big day for us and a chance to put in a big performance," Kennedy said.
There seems to be very little separating many sides. Kennedy's observation that chances need to be taken whenever they present is very true. In fact, if they don't present, sides just have to manufacture them.
Newborough v Morwell East
Morwell East have started this season as they did the last, unbeaten three rounds in and flagging they will be around the mark.
However, there is something more to like about the Hawks this year to last. They look a little more organised, playing with both a system and a belief in each other that is seemingly stronger 12 months down the track.
"We are in a similar position to last year leading into an away game against Newborough," Morwell East coach Paul Henry said. "We will be looking to make a much better effort than we produced then."
The Hawks, with three wins from as many games, will be under no illusions as to the challenge that lies ahead this week. Newborough at "The Kennel" is about as tough as it gets, especially given that they too are travelling very well.
Newborough coach Craig Skinner said his side was improving every week and "look forward to taking on Morwell East, the competition's only undefeated team, and see how we go".
Both coaches will need to have their players, individually and collectively, at their best for what is no doubt the match of the round. It is one which would be well worth the effort to pay the entrance fee for.
Toora v Mirboo North
A win is like gold for those at the top. And, it is no different for those at the other end of the ladder.
Toora already have points in the bank, while the Tigers are still on the hunt for their first win.
They will see this weekend, even away from home, as the perfect opportunity to pounce.
"We now face the second of back-to-back road trips," Mirboo North coach Damian Turner said. "They will be looking to bounce back also. Expect a tough, hot contest."
The Tigers have shown glimpses of what they can do. But, they are still a way from where they would like to be.
This weekend, with a four quarter team effort, a win is certainly in their grasp.
Toora coach Jack Weston said he was looking forward to an opportunity to move to two-two.
"No doubt Damo will have his side up for the contest, so we need to make sure we bring our best," Weston said.
The league has not experienced a draw in the opening three rounds of the year. This match looms as one that could go down to the very last minutes, maybe even seconds, of the game.
Although it would be ridiculous to tip that both sides will be locked together, it is very hard to separate them.
Bye: Yinnar.