by Nicholas Duck
It's the penultimate round of the Gippsland League, and with plenty of intrigue surrounding the make-up of the top five as finals approach, fans will have plenty to ponder this week. Who's going to make it? Who will earn a coveted double chance? And can anyone stop the rampaging Leongatha? Here's how the action is looking this week.

Bairnsdale vs Wonthaggi
Location: Bairnsdale City Oval
With the race for the second and third positions on the ladder coming down to the wire some games are simply non-negotiables for the top sides. For Wonthaggi, this is one of those games.
And with the Power's biggest rivals for those spots in Sale and Traralgon playing off against each other, this is an opportunity that Wonthaggi just can't let slip.
The Power have enjoyed some strong form as of late, having lost just one of their past nine, though there was a draw in that span too. Their only defeat in that time was against the undefeated Leongatha, meaning that with finals just around the corner the Power are looking like they mean business.
It's been a rough year for their opponents though, as Bairnsdale have tasted victory just the two times. Their loss at home three weeks ago to the bottom-placed Drouin was perhaps their lowest point in a season that has had a few, and given they've lost their past four against the Power it's difficult to see them getting up here.
Wonthaggi to win.
Drouin vs Morwell
Location: Drouin Recreation Reserve
Having let multiple opportunities slip to cement a place in the top five, it's suddenly all about survival for Morwell as any mistakes will see their now slim finals chances totally disappear.
The Tigers, having previously sat a win clear in fifth position, gave it up after two extremely close losses, one to the seemingly indominable Leongatha and one to the team that took their spot in Maffra. The Maffra loss was especially disastrous, given how they could have, and realistically should have, sealed that game away early. Instead, they left the door ajar, and the experienced Eagles found a way through and now look likely to feature once again in finals as a result.
Things aren't entirely settled though, and despite trailing by a significant percentage, the Tigers still have a shot, if they can win their last two matches and if Maffra makes a mistake. Their final week looms as an intimidating one though, against Sale.
Still, they can't look any further than this week's match against Drouin, who will be keen to cause an upset.
The Hawks finally tasted victory once again against Bairnsdale three weeks ago, and very nearly could have done it again against Moe last week. Drouin have, at times, looked a threatening side, but just haven't been able to put it together for long enough.
This was on display the last time these sides met, where Drouin piled on five of the first six goals, before the Tigers came alive to win easily by 57 points.
If they can sustain the pressure and run they're a chance, but Morwell will be desperate as they know they can't afford any more mistakes, and will be coming in as warm favourites.
Maffra vs Warragul
Location: Maffra Recreation Reserve
On the other side of the equation for fifth spot sits Maffra, who just needs to keep getting the job done to make it.
The Eagles currently sit in fifth thanks to a much better percentage than Morwell, and as a result have their fate in their own hands. Win their last two games, and they're guaranteed a spot. Lose either, and they're vulnerable.
Like Morwell, it's a tough one in their final round as they face Traralgon, but first they must overcome Warragul.
The Gulls are in a rough patch in their season, having lost five of their past six. Their 107-point loss last round to Sale was particularly rough, and has belied some of the solid performances they put in earlier this year.
It's all about building a platform for 2023 at this stage, and although the return of Nick Mulqueen will prove handy it may be offset by the loss of Nick Graham.
Warragul have been blooding plenty of their youth as they look to the future, while for Maffra it's about the now.
Maffra should win here, and create an intriguing final round as a result.
Moe vs Leongatha
Location: Ted Summerton Reserve
The Lions found some respite last week in a season that has gone horribly wrong, but if they were hoping for that to continue it will be tough ask against Leongatha.
After starting the year 5-0 and looking the goods, injuries have ensured Moe have tumbled down the ladder, winning just three of their last 11 games. They tasted victory last week against Drouin, though not without some serious struggles.
They technically remain a mathematical chance of featuring in finals, but would have to do the unthinkable this week if it were to happen.
And it would truly be unthinkable, given their opponents currently sit undefeated over their past 24 games. Yes, you read that correctly, 24.
Having won their last eight matches in 2021 and their first 16 this year, the Parrots are in uncharted territory as they search for a perfect season. The records are tumbling, and it will take a special effort to stop them.
And as things stand, it's tough to see how Moe could possibly do it. Leongatha should win here and keep building the unbeatable aura that surrounds them, as the rest of the league can do nothing but watch.
Sale vs Traralgon
Location: Sale Oval
It's the match of the round here as second-placed Sale plays host to fourth-placed Traralgon.
With Leongatha having sealed first spot weeks ago, it's left the likes of Sale, Traralgon and Wonthaggi fighting it out for second and third and a double chance come finals.
But three won't go into two, and with one side destined to miss out it makes this a vital clash for both teams.
Sale have been in terrifying form recently, having won their past five matches by an average of 86 points. The side's big men, often considered the strongest contingent in the league, have been in full flight as the likes of the Leslie brothers and Brad Dessent have destroyed all that have stood before them.
Traralgon, meanwhile, got back to their best last round as they demolished Bairnsdale by 100 points. The Maroons, while inconsistent, have proven their best can be devastating, and will be out to show that once again this week.
The last time these two met it was a day out for the full forwards as both Dessent and Maroon Brett Eddy booted seven, with Traralgon eventually prevailing.
A win here could all but seal a double chance given all three contenders are favoured to win their round 18 match-ups, and with the home ground advantage plus the incredible form they're in, it's difficult to go past Sale here.