FOOTBALL
MID GIPPSLAND
Yinnar and Trafalgar headline round eight action in the Mid Gippsland league this weekend when they go head to head on Saturday.
They say a week is a long time in football, but Trafalgar learnt in round seven that fortunes can change in the space of 60 minutes.
Unbeaten in their first six matches, the Bloods were locked away with scores drawn at the half-time against the in form Yallourn-Yallourn North, before they were blown away by the Bombers and pipped for top spot.
This weekend the Bloods take on third-placed Yinnar, with only percentage separating the two, meaning another stumble will see them fall to third with pressure mounting from below.
Yinnar have been riddled with injuries so far this season and the list depth has helped them win games but that will be tested this week with James Dowling set to miss.
Dowling will tie the knot on the weekend and a number of his Magpie teammates will also miss as they make the trip to Melbourne as guests.
Newborough v Mirboo North
The Bulldogs will have the chance to further test their change of game style this weekend against a Mirboo North side that is now well and truly on the move.
After losses to top sides like Yallourn-Yallourn North, Trafalgar and Yinnar in recent weeks, Newborough have decided that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and have taken portions of play from each of their opponents in order to form a new-look game style.
Although successful last week against Boolarra, the Dogs will be put to the sword when they take on the Tigers this weekend.
The reigning premiers have started to find form with three wins in succession and are building the belief they can force their way inside the top four.
The Bulldogs have a sprinkling of above-average players and a game style that will surely improve as the season progresses, but it won’t be good enough to stop the visitors from making it four in a row, sending a warning shot to the teams above.
Newborough and Mirboo North will fight for the Ron Skinner Memorial Trophy this weekend.
YYN v Boolarra
All eyes are likely to be on Bombers full forward Dean McDonald this Saturday when the league’s leading goal kicker looks to add to his season tally of 36.
McDonald has an 11-goal lead over Thorpdale’s Ed Greene, but that could be stretched as far as 20 if things go his way this week.
The Bombers look to be the side that all others will be chasing this season, and none will be chasing as hard as Boolarra, especially on the wide expanses of Yallourn’s home ground.
The top-of-the-table side has won its past six and look set to make it seven this week.
Morwell East v Yarragon
This weekend’s clash with Yarragon is a danger game for Morwell East.
The Hawks sit fifth on the ladder and have lost their past two matches and will fall to the back if the pack if they lose on Saturday.
Yarragon will be no easy task and have pushed the likes of Trafalgar and Yinnar to within 10 points in recent weeks.
The Panthers are only a couple of classy players and a key forward from mixing it with the best sides.
They are capable of grabbing the points in a match like this, even away from home, but if Morwell East bring their A game they can turn opposition sides on their head.
This match will be a turning point for both clubs.
For the Hawks, a win will have them thinking finals while a loss with have them fighting for their lives.
For the Panthers, a win will be just reward for consistent effort in recent weeks and could be a springboard to better things in the weeks ahead.
Hill End v Thorpdale
Hill End coach Mike Santo will be keen to turn around the bad luck of recent weeks with a win at home against Thorpdale this weekend.
There were signs Hill End might have been a mover in the MGFL this season, with the recruiting of some quality personnel adding some weight to their cause.
Injuries, however, can change a team’s fortune in the blink of an eye.
A ruptured ACL is likely to keep Santo on the sidelines for the remainder of the year and he’s joined by some quality teammates confronted with similar problems.
Unfortunately that spells disaster for the Rovers, even at home to Thorpdale.
The Blues have had to contend with some long term injuries of their own but are still managing to get wins on the board.
