FOOTBALL
MID GIPPSLAND
Hill End gave any doubters a reason to sit up and take notice last round after putting in a solid effort against league leader Trafalgar in a game in which they were given no chance.
Newborough on the other hand did everything they could to lose after a building a seemingly match-winning lead that they held for 75 per cent of the game, before stopping to a walk against Yarragon and falling for a draw.
Bulldogs coach Tom Hallinan let each and every player know that last week’s second-half effort, that produced only a solitary point, was not acceptable.
In their first encounter of season 2018, Hill End proved too strong for Newborough wet and windy conditions.
Given that those same conditions could be expected again, this match is destined to be a nail-biter, with the Rovers playing for pride and the Bulldogs to keep alive a very slim hope of finals contention.
Yarragon v YYN
Yallourn/Yallourn North were ruthless in the dismantling of the fourth-placed Blues last week.
The game was in the balance at half-time, but the Bombers’ relentless run and attack on the ball proved too much for Thorpdale as the home side ran away comfortable winners.
The Panthers have shown a pattern this season to give their opposition a start and then desperately try to reel them in late in the game, sometimes getting there but most times falling short.
Coach Rob Cahill and his Panther team will be aiming to improve on each of their initial encounters with opposition teams in the first half of the season.
After trailing Newborough in the first half Yarragon managed to snatch a draw.
The last time the Panthers faced the Bombers they lost by 37 points.
They will have to work hard to narrow the margin against a Yallourn/Yallourn North side that has improved sharply in the last few months.
Morwell East v Yinnar
This weekend’s clash between Morwell East and Yinnar should prove an interesting encounter, with the Magpies coming off a rare draw against reigning premier Mirboo North.
Despite Yinnar sitting third and the Hawks sitting in sixth, the result of this match is likely to be close.
On the surface, it would seem inconceivable that the Hawks who just seven days ago were trailing cellar-dwellers Boolarra at half-time could somehow turn that sort of form around to match it with one of the premiership favourites.
But Morwell East will welcome some star power to their line up, none more impressive than Rob Micheledis.
The question is what will be dished up by the home side as a whole.
Thorpdale v Boolarra
Boolarra will have to put in a season-best performance if they want to record their first victory of the season against Thorpdale on Saturday.
The Demons come up against an injury-hit Blues side which was dealt another blow last week when playing coach Josh Collie was injured.
Thorpdale’s top-end talent is as good as any in the league but, as is the case with every team, luck with injuries can play a major part in a side’s success or failure.
The Blues have had little luck and although they go in as firm favourites, their grip on a finals spot is sure to be tested later in the year.
Boolarra found themselves in the unusual position of leading at half-time last week and that was a step or two closer than they have been for quite a long time.
Mirboo North v Trafalgar
This is probably the sort of match that Trafalgar are screaming out for, after their lacklustre showing against Hill End just a week ago.
The Bloods have not been pushed too hard this season, recording just a solitary loss against Yallourn/Yallourn North in round seven.
Mirboo North will command more respect than was given to Hill End last week, and will also be looking to extend their unbeaten run of six matches in a row.
The Tigers had the chance to claim all four points against Yinnar last round, but the draw left them with just the two.
Mirboo North also has Morwell East breathing down their neck, just two points behind them in sixth place on the ladder.
This could be the closest match of the round and the Bloods will go into the game with the intention of hurting their foe’s finals chances.
