by Rob Popplestone
Thorpdale is just one win away from shoring up a finals place with three round remaining of Mid Gippsland football.
The Blues, currently sitting in fourth place on the ladder, are two games clear of seventh placed Morwell East and hold a significantly higher percentage heading into round 16 on Saturday.
Having just avoided the wooden spoon with one win last season, the Blues won't settle for finals - they are eyeing second place.
Thorpdale v Stony Creek
Coaches, players and supporters can sometimes reflect back on performances with an admiration that wasn't possible "in the heat of battle".
What the Blues are currently building is starting to turn the eyes of every team in the league.
Thorpdale's demolition of Yinnar just a week ago was one of their more impressive results of many during the season.
"This week against Stony will be a good contested game back on our home deck," predicted Thorpdale coach Jason Winderlich. "We were lucky to escape with the win in our first encounter."
"We have some wounded soldiers at the moment, so will be without six to seven of our senior team," Winderlich added. "With that said, I'm looking forward to training Wednesday night and who wants to step up."
"Ladder still super tight, so we just need to find a way to get four points again."
The Lions, as respectful of Thorpdale as they would be, have proven they too can perform against the top sides of the competition, as they have done in recent weeks.
"Again it shows that our best footy can compete with the top sides," Stony Creek coach Chris Verboon said. "We just can't get over the line in the close games."
"The bye last week gave us us a much needed break with a few injuries that we had," Verboon added.
It may well take one of Stony Creek's best performances of the year to push a red hot Thorpdale side. But, the Blues wouldn't have it any other way as they continue to revel in the heat of battle.
Foster v Fish Creek
Foster are good. But, the question remains, are they better than what many thought?
The Tigers continue to stand up to - and stand over - the opposition they face from week to week. In round 16, the Lions roll up to take their turn at upsetting one of the competition's premiership favourites. It is a challenge that the Tigers have prepared themselves for.
"We take on a red hot Fish Creek this week who have brought in some players late that add a lot to a very strong midfield group," Foster coach Sam Davies said.
Foster are heavy favourites to win this weekend's match. But, make no mistake, Kangaroos coach Jarred Walker is feeling confident after last week's win over Stony Creek.
Walker said it was a solid performance after a bit of an arm wrestle in the first half.
"All the boys really starting to click together, which is great to see," Walker added.
Foster are one of a handful of teams fighting for a treasured top three position and the all important double chance come finals. This weekend is a crucial step in achieving that.
MDU v Mirboo North
MDU have earned their current top three position on the ladder and they would have no intention of giving it up in the last three weeks.
All that said, this week they face a side that may be down on their luck but do know the Demons are beatable.
After the bye, Mirboo North coach Peter Mongta said his team was looking to the Saturday clash.
"We matched them last time and took the four points, so it will be good to play them on a dry deck," Mongta said.
I guess you only need to look at the latest AFL results to know that any team that doesn't turn up to play is susceptible to defeat, that includes the MGFNL Demons.
"They outworked and outplayed us early in the season, so we have an opportunity to get one back on them," MDU coach Nathan Allen said.
Getting one back, however, is just one part of the goal. A win will, more importantly, keep Allen's Demons in third position and keep three chasing teams at arm's length.
Morwell East v Toora
Not many would not expect Morwell East to just roll up and roll out with the four premiership points as the club prepares to celebrate a 50-year association with MGFNL in front of past players, supporters and officials.
Standing in their way is a Toora side who recently tasted victory and would be keen to go back-to-back.
"With some renewed confidence, we're hopeful of shaking up the finals outlook with two on the bounce," Toora coach Jack Weston said. "We'll have to be mindful of not allowing their backs to set them up."
Toora can breathe a sigh of relief after last week's win over Hill End basically ensured they would avoid the 2023 wooden spoon. But, the prospect of defeating Morwell East this weekend, is a far greater one.
"Our last game was our best start to a game I think we've had," Morwell East coach Paul Henry said. "But now, after a bye last week and a well-earned rest, we begin preparations for our last three games of the home and away."
A victory this weekend will mean that their finals destiny starts to become more tangible than ever before. That should be enough to have the Hawks playing the sort of football that has got them in contention for bigger and better things.
Newborough v Boolarra
With the weight of expectation off their shoulders and chances of finals football gone, can Boolarra play with freedom to bring out the sort of football they are capable of?
The Demons will take on the unbeaten Newborough who most recently performed at their best against Yinnar.
Newborough coach Craig Skinner said it was his team's best start for the month.
The Bulldogs home ground can be a tough place to visit when they are going bad, let alone when they are humming as they are now.
However, the visiting Demons have shown they can match it with the best, just not for four quarters.
Boolarra coach Tony Giardina said his boys got themselves back in the game and were competitive against a top side despite a slow start.
"Next, another tough game against the top side in Newborough," Giardina said.
Newborough are now fine tuning what they have. As important as winning remains, the real quest is to be tested in just over a month.
Bye: Hill End, Tarwin and Yinnar.