by Rob Popplestone
Thorpdale will continue its quest to rise up the ladder and shore up a finals berth in round 15 of Mid Gippsland football on Saturday.
Yinnar v Thorpdale
Yinnar have always proven capable of not only handling pressure but also responding to it.
That said, this weekend's clash with the quickly improving Thorpdale might well have consequences they would not want to consider if they are on the wrong side of the result.
The Magpies have been, can be, and will need to be as good as they have been to hold off Jason Winderlich's army of Blues soldiers.
Yinnar coach Daniel Taylor says this week "is another big game".
"The ladder is really starting to tighten up, so it's a must-win for both sides," Taylor said.
Yinnar are currently running around with just seven players from last year's premiership side. In some ways, that can account for their inconsistent performances.
But, they shouldn't expect any understanding from Thorpdale. The Blues have shown little mercy to opposition clubs when in control and you wouldn't expect this weekend to be any different.
"Yinnar on their home deck is always a tough trip," Winderlich said. "They have only lost one game there, and that was to Newborough in round one."
"Yinnar has always responded well after a loss, so Tac will have the boys fired up this week. We will need to be at our best to take the four points."
Although Yinnar are somewhat short of their best, you would expect them to find more than what they did on Saturday. If they don't, Thorpdale will show no mercy as they continue their quest for a position within the league's top three.
Toora v Hill End
This clash between the two bottom sides of the MGFNL competition may as well be a grand final.
Hill End, despite their very best efforts, have not managed to find a way to four premiership points throughout season 2023.
However, there is no question whatsoever that Rovers coach Mike Santo will have had this match pencilled in as the one that could provide their very first victory of the year.
"Toora next week which will decide the spoon more than likely, so hopefully we come ready to play," Santo said.
A win for the visiting Rovers team will have them off the bottom of the ladder by percentage. And, that might be enough to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
But don't for one minute think that the Magpies are unaware they need a positive result.
Toora coach Jack Weston said this importance game provides the best opportunity for a win since round two.
"Our form lines are very similar and I anticipate a tight game," Weston said. "With a bit of luck, hopefully the boys are rewarded for their improvement over the course of the year."
Both clubs deserve a reward for effort, given their ability to turn up week after week. However, I don't think either team would be satisfied with a draw. It's a win or nothing.
Boolarra v MDU
Boolarra's year might be done but what the Demons do from here could have a major impact on the shape of the MGFNL's top six.
MDU have stood up to be regarded as the better Demons side, but would hope to be so much more than that.
Coach Nathan Allen has his team purring, but is also keeping a lid on what might be if all the cards fall as they might.
"Next week we have the tough task of Boolara away," Allen said. "They have been matching it with some of the top teams of late, so we will need to come to play."
Boolarra have four weeks to offer outgoing coach Tony Giardina some gratitude for his services to the club. Not one week will be an easy one, as last week showed.
"The first 10 minutes of the last week's game, we were competitive," Giardina said. "And then Thorpy's running game took over and we were never in the hunt."
MDU is likely to win this weekend. However, the visiting side would be wise to pay respect to what Boolara are capable of, if they can put it all together.
Fish Creek v Stony Creek
After a week break for both Creek teams, there will be no excuses for not turning up ready to rock and roll this weekend.
Fish Creek have their sights set on an inevitable finals appearance, whist Stony Creek is all about building a foundation from which to launch a more successful 2024 season.
The Kangaroos have been good, but have the potential to be even better. The Lions are a hurdle they should leap over. But, in such a tight season, nothing can be taken for granted.
Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker said the bye came at a great time to rest the bodies and hit the remaining games with good momentum.
"At home against Stony Creek, always a tough opponent that line up very well against us," Walker said. "It's the time of the year to start putting some polish on how we want to play. So I'm looking forward to a strong performance."
The Lions went close a fortnight ago, falling short by a solitary point to reigning premiers Yinnar. It would be expected that the same sort of effort would have them well placed to, at the very least, give Foster a bit of a scare.
"It shows that our best footy can compete with the top sides," Stony Creek coach Chris Verboon said. "We just can't get over the line in the close games."
Verboon added last week's bye gave his team a much needed break, with a few injuries coming out of the previous game.
Stony Creek might not be a part of the action come finals time. However, they could certainly shake the make up of the top six with a win against the odds this weekend.
Foster v Tarwin
Foster can achieve two things from this weekend's match against Tarwin.
Firstly, the Tigers could secure a finals berth for themselves. Secondly, and probably just as satisfying, would be killing off the chances of the Sharks achieving the same thing.
It would almost be an injustice if the Tarwin team was not to be a part of finals action. However, the reality is if you're off your game by just the smallest of percentages, you will be cut down and thrown aside with very little empathy.
Foster coach Sam Davies says "we definitely limped into it (last weekend's bye)".
"We didn't look like the Foster side that we know and love," Davies said. "Players and coaches needed a rest and reset."
The Tigers can ill afford to limp into this weekend. The Sharks desperately need to bounce back from a number of disappointing losses, and nothing short of a win will be acceptable.
"It just makes it tougher for us this week against Foster at Foster," Tarwin coach Troy Hemming said. "I can't fault our spirit, and that's what we will take to Foster to keep our season alive."
You can make a case for 10 sides to be a part of this year's finals. Each round offers an opportunity for clubs to control their own destiny, and this weekend's clash is certainly one of those.
Bye: Mirboo North, Morwell East and Newborough.