by Rob Popplestone
Round nine marks the halfway mark of the season and, although not all sides have yet met, it does give an indication of where teams sit.
That said, things can change in the blink of an eye, so I advise to keep both eyes open.
Thorpdale v Newborough
Unquestionably the match of the round, this is quite possibly the match of the season to date.
Thorpdale are the story of the year, which is hard to say given that their opponent in this mouth-watering clash remains unbeaten. The cellar dwellers of years gone by have somehow managed to win five games in a row.
"This week, we have one of the toughest challenges in country football, facing the undefeated Newborough," Thorpdale coach Jason Winderlich said. "They will be fresh off the bye and keen to make a statement."
"In a true David versus Goliath battle, we will give it a crack and test ourselves against the best."
And, it will take their best. As good as the Blues have been, they will somehow have to find a way to be even better, harder, faster and more relentless than they have already showed.
"We've won the last five, so has Thorpdale," Newborough coach Craig Skinner said. "We were where they are now last year."
"It's exciting for the players, coach and the town," Skinner added. "Thorpy have the best forward, good mids and a backline with belief in themselves. I'm looking forward to seeing whose rooms 'Roaming Popplestone ends up in after the game."
The writer "Roaming Popplestone" will be happy to be in either room at game's end. My only wish is that the clash draws the communities of both Thorpdale and Newborough to support two teams deserving of a big crowd.
Hill End v Boolarra
The winless Hill End might sit at the bottom of the ladder, but there is no doubt they will give themselves a chance on their home ground of getting their first victory against Boolarra.
Hill End coach Mike Santo saw some encouraging signs last week.
"Our midfield group is really starting to gel, which is great and gave us a chance for our forwards to have one-on-ones," Santo said of last week's game. "Basic skill errors are really our worst enemy at the moment and ruining any momentum we build during play."
The Demons registered a much needed win last week. For last year's finalists, stringing together some more wins is crucial if they are to start a late season push towards the top.
"It was good to get back on the winners' list last week with three quarters of reasonable footy," Boolarra coach Tony Giardina said.
The Demons are just short of a pass mark at the halfway mark. Another win this weekend would have them in sight of those at the top of the class.
A couple of wrong moves from any one of those at the top, would leave the door ajar for the Demons to burst into class and cause a scene.
Foster v Toora
Toora may seemingly be a little way off being able to turn the tables on a side like Foster.
But, don't tell that to the Magpies, who believe they are capable of causing an upset to one of the finals contenders.
Toora coach Jack Weston said last week's game was another step in the right direction.
"Our stoppage work was great and effort from the whole team was up," Weston said. "We now have Foster this week, off the bye, and it will be another good test of our improvement. If we keep chipping away a win won't be far off."
As significant as an unlikely victory would be for Toora, a loss would be devastating for the Tigers.
They currently sit with a handful of teams vying for limited positions inside the league's top six.
"It's always their grand final playing us," Foster coach Sam Davies said. "So we are expecting a big contest, especially with the best player in the comp coach Jack and his new sidekick Josh. Is it the Toner Cup?"
There is some good light-hearted banter between both teams. But, make no mistake, as the siren sounds and the ball is bounced (or thrown up), the focus will be the footy and winning.
MDU v Stony Creek
As respectable as Stony Creek's performances have been recently, the Lions have walked away with nothing to show.
In a competition as tight as this one is, that can - and will - prove to be costly.
Stony Creek coach Chris Verboon said last week was another game they let slip.
"Inaccuracy in front of goal killed us again," Verboon said. "It was pleasing to see our boys back up a strong performance. I'm confident if we keep playing our brand of footy, the wins will come."
"We head down the road to MDU...to take on another in-form team," he added. "Stony Creek versus MDU is a big rivalry game that gives the winner the local bragging rights."
MDU have been workmanlike in their efforts this year. They have done what needs to be done on more occasions than not, and commendable even in their losses.
They show all the signs of an honest team that is on the edge of creating something special.
All that said, this week and the month ahead will make it very clear just where the Demons sit.
"We host Stony Creek who have been very competitive and probably unlucky not to get a win over some of the in-form teams in the comp," MDU coach Nathan Allen said. "We will need to play our best footy to get over them."
"We have a tough patch coming up now with Stony competing as well now," Allen added. "And we know there are not many easy games in this competition."
A win for the Demons keeps those six or seven teams just below them at arm's length. A win for Lions gives them a chance to rip that arm off!
Mirboo North v Yinnar
It's going to be an interesting clash of emotions at this match on the Tigers' home ground.
With "Taylors" on both sides, a celebration will certainly mean some mixed emotions.
"This week, we come up against the reigning premiers in Yinnar, an occasion which will also see our 2013 premiership reunion team that Daniel Taylor was a part of," Mirboo North coach Peter Mongta said. "And, now coaching Yinnar, so we look forward to a big day on our home deck against a quality top side."
So the coach of the Magpies is in the position where he might even be able to celebrate, even in a loss.
Past premiership teammates will be happy to catch up with "Tac" Taylor but will, no doubt, be hoping it's on the back of a Tigers' win.
Taylor said he was happy for his Yinnar boys to get a win in another full team performance.
"But Mirboo North this week, up there is always a big game," Taylor added. "They play the ground well, so we will have to be at our best to get the result."
The Magpies are possibly at their strongest at the moment. As tough as the Tigers can be on their home ground, they will need to produce something extra special in front of past premiership players on the sidelines to upset the visitors. But what better day to do it than this Saturday.
Morwell East v Tarwin
Morwell East started the season with a bang, winning their first four. However, three losses in succession had the Hawks needing last week's bye to regroup and gather themselves before another assault.
Currently seventh, but just one win from third, means another win at home will have a significant effect on their season. But, it's a position that their opponents are also in.
"We know it is a huge chance for us to catch up with the league leaders on the ladder," Tarwin coach Troy Hemming said.
"Before the bye, we had a loss," Morwell East coach Paul Henry added. "But there was really good signs shown compared to the previous couple of weeks."
Both coaches are short and succinct about what lies ahead. Both have been around long enough to know just how important getting the premiership points is on Saturday.
Coaches and players often reflect back on games during the season and wonder, what if? This is one of those defining games that will be reflected on by one team.
Bye: Fish Creek.