by Rob Popplestone
A week is a long time in football, especially when plans start to show signs of weakness while the pressure around continues to mount.
Position is everything as round 17 approaches. Time is running out for sides to steady up where they need to be, while others are fighting so hard for exactly what you want.
Boolarra v Newborough
This clash is the perfect example of two sides wanting the same position, and there only being room for one.
The Demons' loss to Mirboo North just a week ago, now has Boolarra fighting for what they might have thought was already theirs.
Hosting an in-form Newborough side with so much on the line is sure to show coach Tony Giardinia whether his side has what it takes to deliver what is needed in a finals-like atmosphere.
In short, win and second position is yours to lose, but lose and securing the coveted top two spot is almost certainly out of your control.
The Boolarra coach wants his side to respond after last week's disappointment.
"To say we are upset is an understatement, beaten by a team/club that hate losing to Boolarra and that showed," Giardinia said of last weekend. "If we turn up this week against Newborough the same way, the same will happen."
The enormity of the occasion isn't lost on the Bulldogs either, who might not yet be at 100 per cent but are planning to somehow find a way to win.
Newborough coach Craig Skinner said this week was their first final of the year.
"What is on the end of this clash for us is a certain second spot, and that means our first final would be a chance for a direct entry to a grand final," Skinner said. "Now I don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but the facts are the facts, this week is crucial for us."
Newborough, currently holding second spot, will hit the Demons' home ground like it's a cut throat final. One would expect a fierce and finals-like performance by both sides, with the result to have a huge impact on how the top six will look.
Foster v Stony Creek
They say you only ever lose if you also don't learn. But, Foster needs to have learnt from their close win over Fish Creek in round 16.
As good as they are, the Tigers need to have their mind in the game and be prepared to lift to another level in order to beat some of the best teams in the competition.
This week's opponent Stony Creek would be still reeling from their disappointing defeat at the hands of Tarwin. The loss has almost certainly cost them a spot in the finals unless they can somehow manufacture a win against a premiership contender.
Foster coach Sam Davies admitted sometimes you just need to win ugly.
"Last week we were beaten in most areas, but really happy with the overall endeavour and ability of the group to absorb the pressure," Davies reflected. "We finish off the year with a couple of home games, firstly against Stony Creek who have nothing to lose."
The Lions themselves will need to dust themselves off after last week's less than expected performance against Tarwin.
"We were soundly beaten in all facets of the contest," Stony Creek coach Jay Accardi said. "Really disappointing from our point of view, but on the flip side Tarwin put in a strong four quarter performance. This week we are off to Foster where we hope we can put in a much stronger performance."
A win by the Lions could provide a fascinating scenario just a fortnight from finals, with many teams still playing as though they are a chance to be part of the action.
This match, and indeed this round, will inevitably answer a lot of questions.
Mirboo North v Morwell East
Mirboo North were quite transparent on their intent to play the role of villain and upset sides that had taken what the Tigers so desperately wanted - a place in the finals.
Two weeks ago, Mirboo got the edge over finals aspirant Yinnar and put the Magpies season into disarray. Last week it was the Demons who fell at the hands of the Tigers, with Boolarra losing their grip on second spot as a result.
This week, if the Tigers can make it three in a row, it will also put a serious question mark over the finals future of Morwell East.
"Villains we are," Mirboo North coach Josh Taylor said. Great win from the boys last week. Morwell East this week who are flying. Hopefully we can make it a close game."
The Hawks have plenty to play for, with a win to satisfy the first of a few goals set by the Hawks prior to the start of the season.
"This week is another huge game that awaits against an in-form Mirboo," Morwell East coach Devon Soutar said. "We'll plan and prepare accordingly, knowing that a win will secure a spot in the six."
Once in the six, this season suggests anything is possible.
Toora v Tarwin
Tarwin will make the relatively short trip to Toora, superbly confident that a win should be straight forward. The fact is, it probably will be.
But it's not so much the result that will be the focus of Sharks coach Troy Hemming. He will keenly watch how his side goes about its business.
Tarwin have top position on the ladder locked away, and the fixture says they will win their last two games of the home and away season comfortably. However, what is needed is a style of game that can lift to a level required against the best. Turning that on and off is a dangerous proposition that can cause problems when you least expect it.
"We have a plan and we are buying in," Hemming said. "This week we go to Toora where it's never easy from all reports, so we need to keep playing Shark footy."
After a week off, Toora face the top team of the MGFNL competition who are finalising their plans for a premiership assault. It is a tough task for the Magpies off the back of a disappointing loss prior to the bye.
Of that game, Toora coach Matthew Ponton reflected "all in all, a poor day from our side".
"Our effort and two way running picked up in the second half, but our skills were poor to say the least," Ponton said. "And, we didn't pressure our opponents up to the standard of senior football."
The Magpies, at best, can make life uncomfortable for Tarwin. However, you wouldn't be thinking they could get close to them on the final siren.
Yinnar v MDU
I would think it is fair to say that Yinnar might be one of the best sides "not" to make the finals in the MGFNL competition for quite a period of time.
A handful of losses by less than a goal throughout the season has Yinnar fighting for their finals lives. They are left hoping that sides above them lose games they are quite entitled to win.
The scenario for the Magpies is quite dire but not dead, and coach Daniel Taylor will try to control what he can in the hope the cards fall their way.
"We crawled into the bye which is really needed," Taylor said. "We should get eight or nine blokes back, but we're now relying on results to go our way which is never how you want it to be."
Their opponents this week might not be thinking finals, but they are planning on winning.
"We are keen to finish the last two games of our season off strongly," MDU coach Peter Harris said. "Yinnar have been a strong side, so this week will be a massive challenge on their deck. But we know we are capable of matching it with them."
The Demons will have to be at their best. But, if the game is close as the final siren looms, you would think the Magpies might be thinking...oh no, not again!
Byes: Fish Creek, Hill End and Thorpdale.