THE vastly improved Yallourn-Yallourn North will face its biggest test of the Mid Gippsland Football League season so far when it takes on reigning dual premier Mirboo North.
The Tigers unexpectedly went down to Newborough last week and will be soul searching while YYN is riding a newfound wave of success with two wins in a row.
Coach Adam Bailey has breathed new life into the Bombers, with a third successive win well within the realm of possibility.
Mirboo North may still be shell shocked after last week’s effort but remains a capable team.
Injuries and unavailability set the Tigers back but they should be near full strength this weekend to give the Bombers some stick.
In their past two meetings Mirboo North had the decisive edge, winning by 17 and 21 goals, but this season’s form suggests the upcoming encounter will be much closer.
YYN has pacey players around the ground and on the big George Bates Reserve could cause problems.
Mirboo North has had plenty up forward, with the exception of last week, with many players claiming goals.
It is an important game for both teams with the winner to expect a place in the top five, which even at this stage is an important position.
Mirboo North should win but a surprise could be on the cards.
Thorpdale v Yarragon
AFTER tasting success last week Thorpdale will be keen to continue its streak with a win over Yarragon.
This is the moment of truth for Yarragon; three games in and still without a win was not the plan and the Panthers are desperate for their first points.
New names have cropped up at Yarragon and they are expected to lift the team from the bottom end of the ladder.
Coach Stuart Edwards has his hands full trying to get the Panthers over the line.
The side is not playing badly, but has leaked too many goals.
The shining light is Troy Lehman with 10 goals in his past two games.
Thorpdale has suffered several injuries but the return of coach Nathan Scurrah last week gave the Blues a lift.
A bad leg-break to Daniel Hammond will put him out for the rest of the season which is a big blow.
Forward Ilan Osman has been consistent with nine goals so far.
This could be close but Thorpdale should make it two in a row.
Morwell East v Trafalgar
ON paper this looks to be a fairly even match up but over the years the East has lost heavily to Trafalgar.
However the Bloods have lost their last two and Morwell East’s odds are shortening.
Trafalgar has endured a shocking run of injuries with players set to be out for weeks and in some cases months.
Morwell East put in a raspberry against Yinnar last week and will need to pick up from that effort to beat Trafalgar.
Tyler Scott and Adam Duncan were good for the East and should continue their form and Lucas Towns can kick goals when the opportunity arises.
Trafalgar will be favourites on history alone but Morwell East will be tough.
Yinnar v Hill End
YINNAR is on top of the ladder and has done everything right so far with three wins.
Number four should not be too far away when the Magpies host a winless Hill End.
Yinnar kicked badly last week and shamed itself at the poor quality of forward play.
Tim Aitken was the saviour with six goals but he received little support.
Hill End has picked up some handy players but has lacked drive around the forward zone, and just cannot kick a winning score.
Yinnar will have too many good players and should win without much ado.
Newborough v Boolarra
NEWBOROUGH has proven it is still a MGFL force following an impressive victory over Mirboo North last week.
The display was full of merit, considering the Bulldogs had 11 players missing from the 2014 grand final team.
Newborough has two wins from three games and is building nicely, picking up form as the rounds progress.
Stewie Robertson has been among the goals and Chris Hancock has been going strong.
The Dogs host Boolarra which has not set the world alight but still has two solid wins and the potential to upset any team on its day.
Ken Towt is a known goal kicker and Nick Hider has starred in his two appearances so far.
Newborough will go in as favourites but Boolarra will be a hard nut to crack with a close match assured.
