by Rob Popplestone
Only four teams remain in the race for the Mid Gippsland football premiership - with one to secure a grand final berth this weekend.
Make no mistake, any one of the four is capable of taking it out.
Newborough v Fish Creek
Qualifying final at Boolarra on Saturday
You sense Newborough are far better prepared this year than last.
Coach Craig Skinner had to grapple with a bye in the last game of the home and away 2022 season, followed by a week off in the first week of finals. A win in this corresponding game last year meant yet another break before grand final day. In short, last year they were ripe for the picking. In 2023, there will be no excuses.
"We were happy to finish the season off with a hard fought win (over Tarwin)," Skinner said. "After a week off to reset, we have now prepared for Fish Creek this week."
For the Kangaroos, who have surged into contention in the back half of the season, you sense they are now ready to challenge the undisputed premiership favourites for a direct route to the grand final.
"We are looking forward to coming up against clearly the best team of the year in Newborough," Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker said. "There is no doubt this first final will be a massive challenge, but it is something I feel our group has been building towards all year."
"We will have a slightly different side to the first time we played them, so I can't wait to see how we go," Walker added.
It was round two of this year when these two sides last clashed. On that occasion, it was Newborough who walked away comfortable victors in a lopsided affair, 17.6-108 to 4.6-30.
It would be fair to say the result would not be expected to be anywhere as one sided as that. But, in finals, we have come to expect the unexpected.
MDU v Thorpdale
Elimination final at Tarwin on Sunday
As each week passes, the wagon of Thorpdale supporters is quickly starting to grow.
The Blues have been the feel good story of country football in 2023 as the wooden spooners of last year prior continue to take all before them.
The past six months have been a dream and, on what has been seen, there is no reason to believe they cannot continue their memorable run.
Thorpdale coach Jason Winderlich said his team require a big week of recovery to give themselves an opportunity on Sunday.
"They have an extra day up their sleeve so will be fresh come next Sunday," Winderlich said. "Nath (Allen) has them playing a great brand of footy, with good ball movement that suits their extremely dangerous forward line. We will head down south and give it a crack!"
MDU managed to find a win when most might not have last week. The Demons were good, but will need to be better against a side going as good as any of those still standing,
"From where these guys have come from over the last few years, last week was our first final in about eight years and first final win in almost 20 years," coach Allen said.
"We look forward to next Sunday," he added. "Will be against a good team, so looking forward to it."
Only four teams remain in the race for the premiership and make no mistake anyone of the four is capable of taking it out!
Saturday schedule:
Boolarra Recreation Reserve
Seniors: Newborough v Fish Creek at 2.20pm.
Reserves: Tarwin v MDU at 12.30pm.
Under 18s: MDU v Mirboo North at 10.45am.
Sunday schedule:
Tarwin Lower Recreation Reserve
Seniors: MDU v Thorpdale at 2.20pm.
Reserves: Newborough v Yinnar at 12.30pm.
Under 18s: Yinnar v Fish Creek at 10.45am.