by Rob Popplestone
Local teams are travelling to South Gippsland for round 11 of Mid Gippsland football, with Hill End taking on reigning premiers Fish Creek and Thorpdale facing a fork in the road match at Toora.
Fish Creek v Hill End
It's top versus bottom and that in itself tells the story.
You really couldn't give the winless Rovers any chance of winning this game on the home ground of the reigning premiers. However, I wouldn't be expecting Hill End to just roll over and give this one up either.
The Hillsmen, beaten by just four goals by another contender in Yinnar last week, proved that they are capable of being a frustrating opponent, at the very least, to shrug off.
Reflecting on the weekend, Hill End coach Adrian Burns said footy could be a cruel game.
"Last week, even with injuries, we showed we are capable," Burns said. "It's another big challenge this week against another good side, but my job is to get the team to be on their game for four quarters."
How the Rovers have not managed to steal a game remains a mystery, and that mystery is unlikely to be solved this week.
However, the contests in recent weeks - topped off by this weekend's challenge - may have the Hillsmen ready to go.
Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker labelled it "a danger game".
"From all reports, they gave Yinnar a real run for their money, so they will be full of confidence and ready to go," Walker said. "Hopefully, we can start getting a few troops back and have a solid performance."
Good clubs give every opponent the respect they deserve. This contest is Fish Creek's to win, but will also be an opportunity to rest a few if needed, give opportunities if earned and fine tune game style for further improvement down the track.
Toora v Thorpdale
From nowhere, this clash has evolved into a fork in the road for both sides.
One way leads to a chance to finals and the other an off-road challenge with no guarantee of the destination.
Thorpdale were good against top of the table sides Yinnar and Fish Creek, but didn't get the points. Toora won two their past three, and making it three from four could change their season.
"Really proud of how the boys responded after the previous game and now we look forward to welcoming Thorpdale who on their day can beat anyone," Toora coach Jay Accardi said.
The Blues will no doubt be hoping it is their day. Currently sixth on the MGFNL ladder, they have no less than five other teams within one game of them - one of which is Toora.
"Toora at Toora this week is going to be a tough ask," Thorpdale coach Daniel Taylor said. "They're in good form, especially when playing at home. It's an important game for our season moving forward."
The Blues win and they can breathe a sigh of relief, at least for a week. They lose, and not only do they likely drop down the ladder, but the pressure also quickly builds.
MDU v Morwell East
MDU will welcome a guest to their home and will be somewhat unsure of what sort of behaviour they can expect.
The Hawks, disappointing for most of the season, have indicated they still had a heartbeat and ability to upset a rival when defeating Mirboo North just a fortnight ago. The Demons, however, are a far different proposition to consider.
"They're coming off a bye and will be well-rested, so we expect a strong contest," MDU coach Rhett Kelly said. "I'm super proud of the boys for their work rate around the ball and their ability to spread and move the football forward, creating plenty of opportunities for us."
The Hawks just need the type of effort they showed a fortnight ago. Anything less than that, regardless of the result, will not be acceptable.
A week's rest after a rare win was a chance for Morwell East coach Paul Henry to tighten up the group for the next challenge.
"Bye for us last weekend...got the four points," Henrys said. "With results going the way they're going, we find ourselves only three games out of the top six, which makes this week's game against MDU a very important one."
The fact that finals are still on the agenda, gives hope. However, words now need to be replaced with effort.
Henry will be keen to see who shows him that they are 100 per cent committed to their best.
Foster v Mirboo North
The battle of the Tigers won't be a one-way affair but there is no doubt it will be an enormous challenge for the visiting Mirboo North.
Foster have beaten up on sides much more credentialed than this week's opponent and will be well prepared after a solid hit out last week against the Lions.
Foster coach Sam Davies said his side offered a solid four quarter performance last week with a couple of really good moments.
"We are fortunate enough to have our junior club Corner Inlet also playing on the Saturday, which we are stoked about and can't wait to support," Davies added.
Showcasing to their prospective juniors is crucial in the current climate of encouraging kids to continue playing football.
Mirboo North are reasonably well placed in this area, given the support of a local community. But their first focus, no doubt, will be on a strong performance by their senior team.
"Injuries continue to challenge us, but the boys showed real resilience and a willingness to adapt, which is super impressive," Mirboo North coach Damian Turner said. "Another under 18 debuted last week, which is a great sign for the future and valuable experience for our young brigade."
Turner added, "we'll recover, train hard and look to get a few back ahead of a big test this week in Foster at Foster, one of the form sides of the comp."
"It'll be a huge day with all junior teams from under 10s up in action for a massive 'Super Saturday' of football," he concluded.
Who doesn't love a Super Saturday of football (and netball for that matter)? But you get the feeling it will be more super for Foster than Mirboo North, at least at the senior level.
Newborough v Stony Creek
This is, without question, a do-or-die clash for both clubs. Another loss would really end a season.
At the moment, both sit just one win from the league's top six. However, being two games behind with just seven rounds to go means you need to win but also must rely on others to lose.
The Lions were good last week in defeat against Fish Creek, but they will need even more in round 11.
Stony Creek coach Troy Shepherdson said "the scoreboard didn't reflect how close the game was, with our boys well in the contest".
"We travel to take on a Newborough side who, along with us, will be desperate to get on the winners' list, and keep in touch with the top six," Shepherdson added.
The Bulldogs have been hit left, right and centre with injuries. As a result, they are about as fragile as a side can be. Yet, the draw says the next few weeks are winnable.
The question is, can they find a way to do that?
"We have Stony Creek this week before we head into our mid season ball and hoping we can start to play a better brand of football in the back end of the season," Newborough coach Pat Frendo said.
The ball is a small break and distraction from the demands of a winter sport that starts to close in on clubs as the tough have to find a way to keep going. Newborough at home is always tough.
Yinnar v Boolarra
Yinnar got the points just a week ago, but the way they went about their business was of concern to coach Sam McCulloch.
His charges were below the standard expected but, after trailing the winless Rovers for the first half, they found a way to find the line.
"We were able to get our game going when challenged, which was pleasing," McCulloch said. "Plenty to work on during the week; our skills certainly weren't up to an acceptable standard."
"Can't wait to get back at home in front of what will be a big crowd and big day for the club against our crosstown rivals in Boolarra," he added. "We will need to be on our game for four quarters to come away with the win."
Boolarra are hoping to "steal" a win against a side above them on the ladder. Coming off a cruel one-point loss, the Demons feel as though they have the artillery to shock the Magpies at home.
However, Boolarra coach Brendan Mason said they may need to do it without Nathan Giardina who was on watch this week.
"Otherwise we look to take on Yinnar with a mostly fully fit list in a local derby both sides look forward to each season," Mason said.
There will be excuses and no short cuts for the visitors. Anything less than their very best won't be enough to beat Yinnar on their home deck.
Bye: Tarwin.