NEIGHBOURS Boolarra and Mirboo North clash in an important game for both sides in round 15 of Mid Gippsland football.
The Tigers are sitting on top and do not want to concede points twice in two weeks at this part of the season with finals around the corner.
The Demons, on the other hand, need points to give themselves a realistic chance of making the final five.
Mirboo North fell short against Yinnar and will need to put four quarters together to retain top position.
Tim Traill still leads the goalkicking and he is the main avenue to goal and has been their mainstay this season.
Boolarra has the ability to match it with teams higher on the ladder, but inconsistent form has been its downfall in some matches.
The Demons were lucky against Morwell East when they got over the line in the final minutes of the match.
It is important that the Tigers return to their winning ways with challenges coming from Newborough, Trafalgar and Yinnar.
Boolarra cannot consider itself safe in the five, but with luck should retain a chance for the finals.
YYN v Trafalgar
Trafalgar is on the road again and has another chance to pick up four points, but it can expect a tough encounter from Yallourn Yallourn North.
The Bombers broke through for a much needed win a fortnight ago, but unfortunately were on the end of a Bulldogs hammering last week.
Although Trafalgar eased through its game against Thorpdale last week, it cannot expect easy pickings against YYN ,which has plenty of potential, but this does not always show on the scoreboard.
Trafalgar has lost to the two teams above it and cannot afford to be lax at this end of the season.
Yinnar v Thorpdale
Yinnar is in a great position to challenge the leaders and heads to Thorpdale to consolidate its top four position.
Yinnar’s win over Mirboo North was full of merit and gives it plenty of confidence going forward.
The Magpies have had the edge over the Blues in previous clashes and Saturday’s game will not be a cakewalk.
Every team that travels to Thorpdale knows at the finish they have met a determined side.
The Blues started the season well, but conceded vital games and should be closer to the top.
Poor form and injuries have sapped Thorpdale at various stages during the season.
Yarragon v Newborough
Newborough is setting the pace so far and Yarragon could feel the bite of the Bulldogs as they charge towards the finals.
Newborough recorded a convincing win over YYN and the Bulldogs will face teams out of the finals race in the next few weeks and will be confident of securing a top two position.
Yarragon needs to pick up confidence after its poor performance against Hill End, but it could be shattered by the snarling Bulldogs.
The Panthers and YYN are in a two-way fight for the wooden-spoon and this is a piece of silverware Yarragon would not want in its trophy cabinet.
Morwell East v Hill End
Morwell East and Hill End face off in a game which is important for the Hillmen.
They must keep winning to give themselves a reasonable chance of disposing Boolarra from fifth position.
Morwell East has not a good season and will be prepared to hit the next four games hard and give its supporters hope for next season.
The Hawks put on a good show against Boolarra last week, but fell short in the final minutes of the match.
