Yinnar v Trafalgar
FINALS aspirants Yinnar and Trafalgar will battle it out in the match of the round in the Mid Gippsland Football League this weekend.
When these two play, the action is hot. Last time they met, Yinnar won by just over six goals but this time round, the scores should be a lot closer.
The playing surface at Yinnar could be the big influence on the result; if it dries out before Saturday then the usual standard between these teams should be maintained.
Yinnar needs to keep winning to stay on top with Newborough ready to challenge. Trafalgar (third), although two games clear of Boolarra (fifth), can’t really afford to lose this important match. If Trafalgar does win, it is likely to remain in third place but will be equal with Yinnar on points.
There will be plenty of good match-ups and players know any mistakes could prove costly.
Yinnar should win but Trafalgar is likely to make it a close contest. Last time: Yinnar 13-5 (83) d Trafalgar 7-6 (48)
Morwell East v Mirboo North
MORWELL East has a poor record against Mirboo North and will have an uphill battle again this week. Conditions at the East’s ground are a lot better than some other places and the league, in its wisdom, has selected the right place for the grand final.
Mirboo North has revelled in the mud over the last few weeks and should continue to play well. It is in fourth spot but its percentage is down, something it needs to work on if it wants to climb higher on the table.
Of the four remaining games, Morwell East could possibly win at least two which would give it six wins for the season, two more than last season. Mirboo North should have too much firepower and win well. Last Time: Mirboo North 17-23 (125) d Morwell East 2-2 (14)
Yarragon v Hill End
THIS has all the hallmarks of a close game as both teams fight to climb the ladder. Both have three wins but currently Hill End is just in front by a few percent. Last time they met saw a good Hill End win but this time round, Yarragon is prepared to do the hard work to gain a victory.
The Panthers have already exceeded last season’s win ratio and with a couple more probables in the pipeline, they should finish with a relatively successful season. Hill End is down on last year and won’t reach last year’s total of eight wins, a disappointing season. Last time: Hill End 13-13 (91) d Yarragon 9-7 (61)
Thorpdale v Boolarra
IN their last encounter, Boolarra just scraped over the line with a last minute goal but this time round its clash with Thorpdale will play a big part on where it will finish. With four games against teams below them on the ladder, the Dees will go into the finals on a winning streak. Their place in the finals is secure but it is better for them to finish fourth than fifth.
Thorpdale could win at least one of its four remaining games in what has been a disappointing season in comparison to last year. Last time: Boolarra 9-16 (70) d Thorpdale 9-10 (64)
Yall-Yall Nth v Newborough
SECOND-PLACED Newborough is ready to pounce on top spot if the following two things happen: it beats YYN and Trafalgar helps out by defeating Yinnar. Newborough and Yinnar have been changing positions on top during the latter part of the season. The current top five teams are the same as last season but the various positions could change.
Newborough will be checking the progress of the Yinnar/Trafalgar game with interest. YYN won’t provide a huge challenge but it can make life harder for the Dogs with the Energy Australia Cup up for grabs. Last time: Newborough 18-16 (124) d YYN 2-2 (14).
