FOOTBALL
MID GIPPSLAND FL
Morwell East’s salvation depends upon how the Hawks go against bottom team Yallourn Yallourn North in Mid Gippsland football.
The East has lost its past three matches in a worrying downturn.
Knowing this, YYN could be in a mood to not only win its first match of the season, but also push the East further down the ladder of despair.
The Bombers came close last week and were a goal away from a drawn match.
Yarragon thumped Morwell East the previous week and just got in against YYN, which gives the Bombers a bit of heart with a realistic chance for a win.
Morwell East on paper has the potential to be a final five side but has probably left its run too late as mediocre performances have limited their wins.
Last time: Morwell East 15.10 (102) d YYN 12.2 (74).
Yarragon v Yinnar
YARRAGON’S run of two successive wins will almost certainly come to an abrupt end against Yinnar.
The Magpies were toppled unexpectedly by Boolarra last week and it would be a rare occurrence for them to be beaten two weeks running.
In their last meeting Yinnar was so far ahead at half-time they could have gone home and still won. However since then the tide has turned and Yarragon has won three matches – one more than last year – while Yinnar has lost two.
On form Yinnar will give Yarragon no chance of a trifecta.
Last time: Yinnar 31.19 (205) d Yarragon 4.6 (30).
Trafalgar v Boolarra
BOOLARRA, in fourth place, has won its past six matches and faces an important match against Trafalgar.
The Demons know they can beat Trafalgar following triumph in the corresponding round two match this season.
Boolarra has moved up the ladder without too much fanfare and will ultimately pose a big problem to the three teams above it.
Boolarra, Trafalgar and Mirboo North will fight for positions three to five, all practically assured of a finals berth but uncertain of exact placings.
This will be a preview of a finals match in eight weeks, and with nothing between the two sides it will come down to survival of the fittest.
Last time: Boolarra 11.8 (74) d Trafalgar 7.11 (53).
Hill End v Newborough
HOLDER of the Byrne/Fanning Cup, Newborough will want to keep the silverware, and on form, the trophy will stay in the Bulldogs’ cabinet.
Newborough sits on top of the league and has enjoyed a successful season so far, losing only one game by a small margin.
The Dogs will be hard to dislodge from top position and all teams are on notice that they will play a ruthless brand of football to win this year’s flag.
Hill End will have nuisance value and will put up some resistance but overall Newborough should have a solid win.
Last time: Newborough 10.10 (70) d Hill End 5.1 (31).
Mirboo North v Thorpdale
THIS match takes on a new meaning now that Mirboo North has lost a couple and dropped to fifth.
The side has not changed a lot since its premiership win last season, but two successive losses have dented the chances of a back-to-back.
The Tigers have now joined the log-jam in a fight to regain at least third position.
Thorpdale, now with three wins, is full of confidence and will give the Tigers a good showing.
Last time: Mirboo North 10.10 (70) d Thorpdale 5.9 (39).
