If Morwell manages to beat powerhouse Leongatha this weekend, it will have the honour of defeating the top three teams in the Gippsland League.
After an average start to the season, the Tigers have won five of their past six matches, beating ladder leaders Sale, Wonthaggi Power, Traralgon, Maffra and Warragul, only dropping the game at Drouin.
With Leongatha’s only blemish this season being a loss to Sale, the match promises to be a hard-fought contest.
The Parrots got off to a relatively slow start last week against Traralgon, and since Morwell has been starting strongly, they will have put the pressure on early to avoid playing catch-up football.
Key forward Dwayne Holt did not play for the Parrots last week, but could be cleared for Saturday while Zac Vernon is still in doubt.
Robert Michaelides, Jack Brown and Joel Soutar have been in top form for the Tigers and since Jeff Ryan’s return they are a different side.
Missing will be Shane Ryan, who was reported and looks like taking the one match penalty.
The Parrots’ midfield has been one of their strong points but Morwell’s midfield is also strong and will not let the Leongatha boys off lightly.
This should be an entertaining game on what should be a firm surface.
Traralgon v Bairnsdale
Traralgon will be keen to score a much needed win to maintain fifth spot.
The Redlegs have not won at Traralgon since 1983.
Bairnsdale’s first quarter under new coach Mel George was not very flattering against Wonthaggi Power, but for the next three quarters they improved to play very well.
If the Redlegs continue that improvement they will make Traralgon work hard for the premiership points.
Wonthaggi v Moe
Wonthaggi Power need to beat the improving Moe to keep pressure on Traralgon for fifth spot.
The Power have won their past three matches against the Lions, and eight of their last 10 encounters.
Against Sale last week, the Lions gave the premiership favourites a run for their money and Jason Macfarlane is confident his side will push the Power.
What Moe lacks in talent they more than make up for in determination and a never-say-die attitude, which has rattled a few teams more than once this season.
Moe’s major hurdle this week is the Wonthaggi ground, as many sides have found it difficult to win there.
Maffra v Warragul
Maffra has a good chance to consolidate third spot by beating Warragul.
The Gulls beat the Eagles earlier in the season by two points in a cliff hanger and will find it harder at Maffra’s ground.
Ben Hughes, after an impressive start with Warragul, has been well held in recent matches and will be anxious to be a match winner again.
When Hughes has been held, the Gulls have not played with the same confidence.
The Gulls seem to apply pressure on their opponents for a couple of quarters but to win matches four quarters of good football are required.
Drouin v Sale
Drouin hosts premiership favourites Sale in what should be a good contest despite the difference in ladder positions.
The Magpies have conquered all teams except Morwell this season, and have a great depth of talent.
Drouin has slipped since it played finals the last few years, but is starting to show a competitive edge again.
Drouin gave Maffra too much start last week and cannot afford that luxury against the Magpies.
