FOOTBALL
MID GIPPSLAND
Yallourn/Yallourn North could not have been any more impressive in their match against Yinnar last week and will look to back it up against Newborough this weekend.
A repeat of that performance will have Newborough coach Tom Hallinan clutching at his chest by half-time.
The Bombers were strong, disciplined, skilful and fast and it was hard to pick a weak link in what would have been the most complete exhibition of matches played so far this year.
Newborough will be still dreading the one that got away last week.
After leading for three quarters the Bulldogs coughed up the lead and the points to Morwell East.
Yarragon v Mirboo North
The Panthers are lining up to do what four teams have done in the opening rounds of 2018 and that is beat the reigning premiers.
Make no mistake, the Tigers are not playing terrible footy, but they are not winning.
Mirboo North have been beaten by a total of four points in their last two games and this match against Yarragon is an absolute must win.
To be zero and five after five rounds means any chance of playing finals footy can almost be kissed goodbye.
Yarragon are back at home and after a solid performance in round four and despite losing against the unbeaten Trafalgar last week the Panthers believe they can notch their second victory of the year and stay in touch with the top five.
Yinnar v Thorpdale
Yinnar return to the safety of their home ground this week but by mid afternoon they will know they are in for a fierce fight.
Thorpdale, like the Magpies, have secured three wins from the opening four rounds after falling over the line by a solitary point last week against Mirboo North.
The Blues, however, will have to confront some injury issues which may become a real problem if Yinnar can select some first choice players themselves.
Depth is crucial to success in such an even competition and the general view is that the Magpies may have the edge in this area.
Options from the seconds and even the thirds might prove to be the difference.
Trafalgar v Boolarra
Trafalgar remain the only unbeaten side in the competition to date and look set to add another win to their tally this weekend against Boolarra.
The Demons are running with sides and should be a little harder to overcome in the back half of the season, but coach Clint Eisendel has the keys to a finely tuned team that should account for Boolarra with ease.
With a multitude of goalkicking options and an even contribution from all parts of the ground, the Bloods are well placed.
Boolarra are slowly working on ensuring the foundation of the club is secure moving into the future.
While that is yet to be seen on the scoreboard, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Hill End v Morwell East
It is clear a team is going well when they find ways to win despite not playing their best.
Morwell East have done just that in the past fortnight, beating Mirboo North by three points before stealing a seven-point victory from Newborough.
If you check the ladder, however, their three wins to date have been over sides eighth, ninth and 10th on the league ladder.
The Hawks will have to be in better form when they meet Hill End on their home ground this week,.
The Rovers, like Morwell East, know this game is crucial in clawing their way back up the ladder.
Hill End made hard work of Boolarra and their midfield won’t have it easy this week against the Hawks.
