PITTED against three of last year’s finalists in the opening weeks of the season, Cowwarr bounced back from a tumultuous fortnight with a crushing 109-point victory over Woodside.
Aiming for consecutive victories, the Saints must maintain their momentum if they are to level their season ledger at three apiece.
Boisdale/Briagolong matched its opponents in the final term last Saturday, but it must be ready to attack from the first siren against Cowwarr.
Kicking 10 goals in the past two matches, Bomber forward John Burge has been a focal point in the forward 50 and along with Nicol Sandison, the pair have combined with Danny Pratt to kick a season tally of 32.
The Bombers will need their forward line to be firing, but if Cowwarr can exploit their home ground advantage it will stand them in good stead.
Woodside v Rosedale
Searching for their first win this year, Woodside will need to find its best form against red-hot side Rosedale.
Disappointing last week, the Wildcats have shown plenty of promise pushing a number of sides before fading out in contests.
In their current form it is impossible to look past the Blues, a side that will certainly push deep into September action.
Sale City v Gormandale
Sale City will host bottom placed Gormandale.
It has been a tough initiation for new coach Paul Richards, with his Tigers still searching for their first win under his reign.
It is a hard-hitting assignment for any side to travel to Stephenson Park; however, Richards is philosophical of his side’s chances against a reeling Dogs line up.
“Its been a hard process, we are still getting numbers coming back we were a bit more competitive on the weekend but we are still a long way off,” he said.
“We are under no illusions it is going to be a tough ask on the weekend against Sale, the only chance that we have got is to beat them one on one.”
But this may be easier said than done, with Richards well aware his young side will need to stick to the game plan.
Glengarry v Heyfield
Glengarry’s gallant win last week set the scene for a tantalising contest against Heyfield.
The showdown is billed as the match of the round, with the Magpies eager to claim the prized scalp of Heyfield that in round five made easy work of the Bombers.
Expect a high quality contest, which may see the forward lines pitted against one another in old fashioned shoot out.
Traralgon Tyers United v Churchill
It has been an indifferent season to date for Traralgon Tyers United, struggled to score against quality opposition.
Punished by the opposition for their lack of intensity in the second half last week, coach Daniel Hawking would be mindful of what is becoming a trend for a young list which has promised plenty.
No doubt eager to claim the honours against his former side Churchill, Hawking will need to address his side’s shortcomings if they are to halt the Cougars who have strung together their third consecutive win.
Set to encounter last season’s grand finalists in the coming fortnight, coach Tim Darby knows the coming matches will clearly highlight just where the side is at.
“It is going to be a massive three weeks, with Tyers, Glengarry and City, certainly after these matches we will have an idea as to where we are at,” he said.
“Our games last season against Tyers were both tight, the first they should have won at home and then we got over the line by just over a kick the second time.
Reflecting on the season thus far, Darby is confident that the side’s physical style of football will continue to evolve.
