FOOTBALL
MGFL
TRAFALGAR’S tussle against Yinnar will highlight round five of the Mid Gippsland Football League on Saturday.
On paper these two could be miles apart; Yinnar has won its first four matches to head the ladder while Trafalgar has cracked it for two wins with last quarter comebacks.
Yinnar has enjoyed a slight edge over the Bloods in recent years, last year boasting a clean 2-0 ledger.
Both teams are potential finalists which points to a close game, but the injury list at Trafalgar continues to grow, hampering all grades.
Yinnar has also had setbacks, but with strong reserves, are putting a more than competitive team on the park each week.
Coach Nick Lecchino knows what tough football is all about and has his players primed to attack hard, score quickly and make the opposition chase.
So far the theory is working but the real test will come against a capable Trafalgar outfit.
The strength of the Magpies is pushing the ball forward, allowing Tim Aitken to kick abundant goals.
Players such as Jaime Aitken, Kade Grinstead-Jones and James Dowling are among the best in the league and Trafalgar must put the brakes on them and their ilk to grab the points.
Boolarra v YYN
BOOLARRA has the unenviable task of holding up the rampaging Yallourn-Yallourn North, which has won its last three matches beating Yarragon, Trafalgar and Mirboo North.
The Bombers have exceeded their wildest expectations to win three from four, and turned in a solid first up effort against Yinnar.
Boolarra has picked up a couple of wins and tested Newborough for three and a bit quarters before failing in the final 18 minutes last week, and will need to be four quarter savvy against YYN. The Bombers are strong from backline to forward and will take a lot of beating.
The Demons won both games against YYN last year but on current form the Bombers appear favourites as they go for four in a row.
Yarragon v Morwell East
YET to register a win, Yarragon will throw everything at Morwell East.
The Hawks are one of five clubs with two wins and on form look the better side, but Yarragon has been competitive without breaking through.
Morwell East came close to Trafalgar last week but fell over in a 20-minute rush and let the Bloods enjoy an easy ride home.
If the East can play for four quarters they can beat anyone but lapses at vital times has been their downfall.
While failing up forward, Morwell East interleague prospect Lucas Towns has been noticeable with valuable goals.
Shaun Barnes is also a capable forward and if fit could pose a problem for the Yarragon defence.
On the plus side for the Panthers forward Troy Lehman has kicked 15 sausage rolls so far to keep Yarragon competitive.
At home and with incentive to break the ice Yarragon has a chance to upend the East.
Hill End v Newborough
THE Byrne/Fanning Cup is up for grabs when Hill End plays Newborough on Saturday.
It has been a while since the Hillmen held the trophy and on current form seem unlikely to wrest it from the grasp of Newborough.
After a shaky start against Trafalgar the Bulldogs have put three wins together and sit in second.
Hill End is playing below expectations and will need a real effort to overcome Newborough.
It would be a real boost for the Hillmen to win this one but it looks unlikely.
Mirboo North v Thorpdale
MIRBOO North will be in a mean mood going up against neighbours Thorpdale in a fixture which always provides a keen contest.
Mirboo North has the same number of points as Thorpdale after losing its past two games.
It is rare the Tigers are beaten but the premier needs to rethink strategies to lift itself out of trouble.
They have a good side, not far distant from their premiership side and will be there come September.
After two losses early Thorpdale has bounced back with two wins and with players coming back will be a force.
Mirboo North should shade out the Blues in a keen contest.
