by Rob Popplestone
The intrigue around just how the top half of the MGFNL looks as the season unfolds remains as we enter round four, but it is matches like the Foster versus Newborough clash that is sure to impact the shape.
The reality is as many as nine teams, maybe even 10, could mount a case as a top five team and therefore potential finalists.
Foster v Newborough
The pressure is on Foster, with the Tigers yet to taste victory in their opening rounds. But it's a pressure that is yet to be felt by the coach Sam Davies, who stated "we are far from worried and we look forward to the challenge again this week".
That challenge is a Newborough side coming off a loss to Hill End and ready to quickly get the type of footy required to win big matches.
The Bulldogs seemingly had the Rovers at their mercy before the home team reeled off five unanswered goals.
Newborough coach Craig Skinner said that's what good sides do.
"Foster this week will be an important game for both teams," Skinner said. "We are expecting a tough contest against another successful club."
The Tigers will need access to many of their first choice players to take it up to the Bulldogs. Equally they will be hopeful of a very strong home ground crowd, all of which will make this one a good one to be at.
Thorpdale v Boolarra
The Blues' scoreline last week probably didn't do justice to the effort of the team. With many of its squad affected by flu during the week, it was probably no real surprise that their first quarter efforts couldn't be carried much deeper into the game.
I wouldn't be expecting Boolarra to give the home side much mercy; the Demons keen to back up their respectable draw a fortnight ago against Hill End with an even better performance this week.
Boolarra coach Tony Giardina said "after the bye, we are expecting another good game in Thorpy who have improved as well".
That improvement will be tested by Boolarra who would see this as a very winnable game. In fact, I'm sure they would see it a must win game if they are to be taken seriously as a contender.
Thorpdale at home can be backed in to give an honest and aggressive performance. However, to have any chance to secure premiership points, they must also have their players of class do their thing.
Boolarra are good but the expectation is they will only get better if two things happen. One is they must have some luck and manage to avoid injuries to key players. The second is the inclusion of some quality players in the weeks ahead.
If their plan comes together, some big things could be in store after too many years in the cold.
Toora v Hill End
The last thing most clubs want to face after a testing month of football is one of the top sides in the competition, even on your home ground.
That's exactly what Toora must be ready for on the weekend, a powerful Hill End Side slowly starting to put all the pieces together to likely be the benchmark in the competition.
Mind you, the Rovers are not quite there yet, and might not be for another month or two, but they should be where they need to be to get the four points this weekend.
Toora coach Matt Ponton said his team showed a never give up attitude last week.
"The fight we showed in each other all day was pleasing and something to build on for the rest of the year," Ponton said.
The Power will see first hand some of the elements of a really good side. Although their chances of success are minimal, if each of the players can walk away knowing they've given their best and learn a little on the way, it will have them better prepared for success not too far down the road.
The Rovers believe their window is still open for another surge at a premiership, something that COVID has made difficult, in fact, impossible.
Chances don't often come, and coach Mike Santo knows more than most that they don't last forever.
Mirboo North v MDU
It's not often you tout a match as finals-like in just the fourth round of the year. Make no mistake, this one is like a final.
Given another loss for the home side, Mirboo North would sit a horrible zero and four to start the year and pre-season hopes of a run at finals would be, or at least could be, all but dashed.
Mirboo North coach Josh Taylor says "it's a must-win game against MDU or our season is off to a disastrous start".
The Demons, coming off an impressive 50-point win over Fish Creek, will be coming into the clash with their confidence justifiably sky high, given they also kept the Kangaroos goalless for the entire afternoon.
MDU coach Peter Harris said it's also a massive game for his side.
"Against a quality side who have had some tough opposition to start their year, another big four quarter effort is needed to give us any chance," Harris said.
That's the thing too, not only do sides need to be on their game each week, they need to be on their game for the full four quarters. Anything less against quality opposition can easily turn success into failure and we've already seen that on several occasions this year.
Morwell East v Fish Creek
A really tough game to gauge as both teams have dished up vastly contrasting performances in their opening rounds.
Fish Creek followed a gutsy and impressive come from behind victory in round one with a comfortable win over Toora in round two, only to be held goalless last week against MDU.
Morwell East would have been disappointed in their first clash of the year when they were badly beaten by Yinnar, only to bounce back last week with a respectable win over Thorpdale.
Morwell East coach Devon Soutar said his players needed to respond quickly after their first week and thankfully they did.
"Consistency is what we are chasing,"Soutar said.
The Kangaroos feel they have learnt from their most recent loss and are under no illusions as to how tough this week will be.
Fish Creek coach John Danckert said they have three big weeks ahead, including the massive challenge of Morwell East away from home.
The next month is sure to determine a lot of teams' seasons, but you can only deal with the opposition as they arise. This week Fish Creek have the opportunity to put the Tigers under more pressure than they've seen for a few years.
Yinnar v Stony Creek
After a sluggish start to the year, Yinnar have bounced back in quite spectacular fashion, with a convincing win over Morwell East followed by an even better performance against Mirboo North.
In a matter of a fortnight, the Magpies have regained their mojo and appear to be capable of taking on almost any team in the competition.
Coach Daniel Taylor knows Stony Creek is another challenge.
"They look like they've improved a lot, and their results have been impressive," Taylor said. "We'll be setting ourselves for a big game. It's a tight, tough competition so we want to be at our best every single week."
That is the constant message from all coaches, that unless you're ready to go, you can quickly be left behind.
Stony Creek coach Jai Acardi knows Yinnar on their home deck will be a massive challenge.
The Lions have two wins from their three matches to date, but it's this one against Yinnar is the toughest of the first month.
A win will have them in an outstanding position approaching the quarter mark of the season. A loss will mean some more work to be done.
Bye: Tarwin