by Rob Popplestone
Some matches are obviously more important than others with more than half the league in finals contention with a month to play.
However, for the other half, salvaging something from the season is no less crucial as coaches and players seek reward for their enormous efforts over a long and demanding season.
Boolarra v Hill End
They may not be winning anywhere near as many games as they would have liked, but Boolarra should be commended for continually turning up and testing each and every side they meet.
There is no donut that the Demons should be a few more rungs up the MGFNL ladder after losing seemingly all games decided by just a kick or two. One of which was just last week against Mirboo North, a game decided by just four points.
"Last week, the opposition didn't allow for us to get any of our game going and didn't adjust well enough," Boolarra coach Brendan Mason reflected.
Heading into a home game against Hill End, Mason said they "must salvage something from our last three games."
Boolarra can ill afford to take the bottom of the table Hill End too lightly.
The Rovers, too, have given their all each and every week. Despite winning just a single game to date, they will approach this weekend as though a second is possible.
"Hoping to snag our second win when we head down to Boolarra," Hill End coach Ambu Uliando said. "They will be keen to make up for our last hit out. Will be an intense match-up."
The Demons' home ground can prove troublesome for most, no matter their position on the ladder. As a result, Ambu and his men will need to be up and about and ready to play.
The odds may be against them but that's what makes success so much sweeter.
Stony Creek v Thorpdale
Although mathematically possible, Thorpdale would be well aware that a loss - any loss against a side outside of the league's top six - will spell disaster.
Thorpdale coach Jason Winderlich has played at a high level and been around long enough to know his men need to be ready to stand up and do what needs to be done.
"We head down south again to Stony Creek, which is always a tough game," Winderlich said. "Just need to find a way to get the four points to stay in touch with top six."
Staying in touch is exactly what the Blues need to do, as there is no doubt a full-strength Blues are more than capable of rattling the cage of those clubs above them come finals time.
For now, however, the focus must be on a Lions side capable of far more than they have shown to date. They are a side that would love to take the scalp of a contender.
"I was really happy with our effort in tough conditions before the bye," Stony Creek coach Chris Verboon said. "We got to rest the bodies last week with a week off. Couldn't have come at a better time with the injuries we had."
Thorpdale will no doubt start favourites. But if they believe just turning up will be enough for victory, the Blues will be destined for disappointment against a side who are a very dangerous proposition.
MDU v Tarwin
MDU did the job on Thorpdale to secure sixth spot. However, that victory will mean little unless they are able to back it up against a Tarwin side with finals aspirations.
MDU coach Nathan Allen said this was a "must win game" as his team head to Tarwin.
"I believe they have a function on, so they will be up and about," Allen said. "Really looking forward to another challenging game and seeing if we can continue to build on our last few weeks".
There really has not been a time during the entire season where a club or clubs have been able to give anything less than 100 per cent every week. Despite being 15 weeks into the season, nothing has changed.
Tarwin coach Jason Kennedy said he couldn't fault his team's effort in the match before the bye, battling hard all day and playing good football.
Kennedy saw the bye as "a good chance to freshen up and finish off the year strong."
A win by Tarwin will have them within striking distance of a coveted top sixth spot. From there, well, anything is possible.
This was witnessed from Yinnar in 2023. Jumping to sixth in the very last round, the Magpies won a premiership. Dreams can come true with an enormous amount of hard work sprinkled with a little luck.
Yinnar v Newborough
A fortnight ago, you could have been forgiven for thinking Newborough, although being very good, lacked the class to be capable of reaching their third grand final in as many years.
But, in the space of one Saturday afternoon, the Bulldogs made a statement by defeating the reigning premiers. In doing so, they signalled they are every bit as good - maybe, even better - than two years ago.
"It doesn't get any easier this week with a trip to Yinnar, a team that gets extra enjoyment beating us," Newborough coach Craig Skinner said. "We are embracing challenges and pressure, both will be unavoidable Saturday."
The Magpies are under no illusions as to the enormity of the contest and the quality of the opposition. They are also aware that bringing the right form at this stage of the season will bring the right results.
Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch was short and sweet in his response, simply stating "looking forward to playing our last home game of the year against an in-form Newborough".
His team are sure to be confronted by a visiting Newborough side set on bringing a war to the home ground of the Magpies.
Foster v Mirboo North
Coming off contrasting weekends, two teams of Tigers will battle in an intriguing contest on Foster's ground.
The home team Tigers gave one up to a classy Morwell East side last week, and will be in no mood for a repeat performance.
"We didn't capitalise on our chances early, then couldn't get our game going at all," Foster coach Sam Davies said. "They smashed us around the footy and we wasted the ball going inside 50 - we will get plenty from watching the replay. Must bounce back against Mirboo at home this week."
If Foster are as good as many believe, it may make for a nasty afternoon for the visitors.
The visiting Tigers come into the clash with a certain degree of confidence, given their impressive win over Boolarra just a week ago.
"Always a tough trip (to Foster) and they will be priming themselves for the pointy end of the season," Mirboo North coach Damian Turner said. "We can't wait for the challenge and to put on back-to-back performances."
As good as Mirboo's win was last week, it will take an effort far greater to defeat a Foster team still very much in premiership conversations and in contention for a top spot on the MGFNL ladder.
Byes: Fish Creek, Morwell East and Toora.