by Rob Popplestone
The tests will continue in round five of Mid Gippsland football on Saturday.
Hill End v Newborough
After being beaten from pillar to post in the past fortnight as they slowly work to a new style under a new coach, Hill End come up against a side that looks somewhat fragile themselves.
Having missed last week for the birth of his son, Newborough coach Pat Frendo is back on deck and hopeful his Bulldogs side will be as well.
Frendo said Hill End had already pushed teams, "so it will be a game where we need four quarters of our best footy".
The Rovers came within six points of Morwell East in round one and will need every bit of that effort when they welcome Newborough to their home ground.
Hill End coach Adrian Burns said "the boys' efforts have been great, even in defeat".
"I cannot question their effort at all," Burns said. "We have been beaten by very good sides and this week come against a side that appear to be a little more middle of the table. Hopefully we can produce something special."
As we edge closer to winter, coaches like to see their players rewarded for their efforts. This weekend won't be an easy task for the Hillsmen, but believing they can win is the first step in achieving it.
Boolarra v Foster
Boolarra jump out of the MDU "frying pan" of last week to land in the "fire" of Foster this weekend.
As good as the Demons have been in the first month, injuries and quality opposition certainly found them short in round three. But, another week provides another challenge.
"We hope to welcome back several first choice players this week, with another huge challenge awaiting us," Boolarra coach Brendan Mason said. "After a confidence boosting three-zero start to the year, it is a good reality check to have taken on MDU on their home deck and to now welcome the Tigers to our ground."
The Demons have certainly lifted a couple of levels from last season. However, this weekend is expected to be another level with Foster performing unbelievably well.
Foster coach Sam Davies isn't letting his team get ahead of themselves as they prepare to travel to Boolarra for "a big challenge".
"They have a strong midfield group led by their coach, and always are a better side playing at their home ground," Davies said.
It will take something special from Boolarra. However, if they can perform in front of their home crowd as they have done already this season, we might see Foster having to fight a little harder for the points.
Mirboo North v Fish Creek
Mirboo North pushed last year's grand finalists Yinnar for three quarters last week. However, an indiscretion left the Tigers with just 17 men and allowed the Magpies to race away to a five-goal victory.
You cannot afford to give the very good sides any room to expose you. This week they face yet another top of the table team in Fish Creek.
Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker said it was a good opportunity to keep improving on what they are working on.
"Will need to be on our game playing at Mirboo, a ground they play very well," Walker said.
The Kangaroos are aware of the "unique" nature of the Tigers' home ground but may not be aware of the rapid improvement they showed.
Despite an undisciplined act leaving them with 17 players, Mirboo North coach Damien Turner said his side managed eight scoring shots in the last but just couldn't convert.
"We now know this young group can match it with the best, so proud coach in that department," Turner said.
Looking forward to this weekend's challenge, Turner said "we are looking forward to again fronting up to one of the premier sides in the comp and bringing our confident game play".
If they bring confidence, control and composure, the Tigers will be in the game. However, a failure in any area and the Kangaroos will jump on the opportunity.
Morwell East v Yinnar
Morwell East just cannot seem to get their season on track.
Down some of their first choice players, sure, but they just don't seem to have the fire in the belly of season gone by. That spells danger as they prepare to take on a classy Yinnar.
"Last week was another tough day at the office for us," Morwell East coach Paul Henry said of the game against Tarwin. "Again we were in it until half-time."
Not having a bench after half-time, Henry said the boys gave their all "but just couldn't hang in there".
He added Saturday's home game was "massive" for the club, stating "it's a must-win".
The Hawks have given up games they were not expected to, and maybe even games they should not have. That's why they find themselves in such an uncomfortable position.
Having been made to work hard for the win against Mirboo North last weekend, Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch said they now look forward to another crosstown rival.
McCulloch predicts "they will come out and throw everything at us".
As much as it is a must-win game for the Hawks, seeing signs that they desperately want to win might be enough to please their supporters.
Stony Creek v Toora
This looms as a match that could certainly go either way.
The Lions have been good, but the heavy defeat at the hands of Fish Creek may still be weighing on the mind of the players as they prepare for Toora.
The Magpies, like the Lions, have shown signs that they can be capable of shaking teams. Now they just need to kill games off when they get the opportunity.
There is no better opportunity for both to do just that this week.
Troy Shepherdson said Toora had been tracking well without reward.
"I expect it to be a very tight contest," Shepherdson said. "Looking forward to getting a few blokes back and getting back on our home deck."
The Magpies were excellent in defeat against reigning premiers Fish Creek before the bye. If they bring that sort of form to this weekend, anything could happen.
"We played really good, high pressure football for a half against the competition's best side and really took it up to them," Toora coach Jay Accardi said. "Unfortunately, we couldn't quite sustain this for the journey."
Whilst not pleased by the end result, Accardi said "we are seeing signs of the team starting to gel, which is positive".
After tweaking a few things over the bye weekend, he added Stony Creek on their ground will be "tough to beat".
This, even at this early stage of the year, looms as a season defining game. The pressure is building to beat sides around you and stay within touch of the leading group above.
Tarwin v MDU
MDU had built themselves up for a massive "Demons Clash" against Boolarra with many of the past players part of the build up and game day. The secret now is for them to continue that level of enthusiasm and excitement into round five.
MDU coach Rhett Kelly said it was "another great 21-player contribution, with everyone playing their role".
He expects Tarwin on Saturday to be "another big challenge for us".
"I know that the guys are looking forward to it," Kelly said. "We are striving to get better every week and looking forward to a solid hit out against Tarwin."
The Sharks were very good when challenged in round four but the secret is to start to string some wins together.
"We had a great response from all of our players last week and had an even contribution across the board," Tarwin coach Lachie Jones said.
Jones said MDU at home "will provide us with another test".
That test is sure to be at a higher level. As as good as the Sharks were last week, there is no question Saturday's game will require something even greater.
Bye: Thorpdale.