by Davyd Reid
The going will not get any easier for Warragul and Drouin as the local sides confront two contenders in round six of the Gippsland League.
Warragul will host the undefeated Wonthaggi Power, while Drouin make the short trip east along the freeway to meet Moe, who are also undefeated.
While yet to win a match this season, the young Gulls side has been competitive in patches.
Wonthaggi will enter as firm favourites. Aside from a scare against Morwell, the Power have been dominant for the most part. And Saturday’s clash at Western Park is set to give a good indication of where the young Warragul side is at.
There is no doubt the Gulls will be working on fixing the lapses that have cost them in matches this season. A couple of four goal bursts from mid-table side Traralgon proved the difference last week.
Moe will enter favourite against a Drouin side expected to still be undermanned.
With Bailey Beck and Tom Barr to be tested and Bob McCallum and Jordan Kingi still some time away, the Hawks could still be without up to four first choice players.
Some Hawk insiders have admitted it may not be the right time to get Moe given their current injury list.
Drouin will be hoping to show as much heart as it did to overcome Morwell last week and at least be competitive, but Moe certainly pose a greater challenge.
Sale and Traralgon will meet in an enticing match between two sides hoping to play finals.
Currently fourth and fifth on the ladder, both sides enter at 3-2 and ahead of sixth-placed Drouin on percentage.
The winner will leave round six with a mini break on their rivals. The match being at Sale may tip it slightly in the Magpies’ favour.
Maffra will host Morwell in a must-win to make ground on the mid-table pack.
It looms as a danger game for the Eagles, with the Tigers getting close in most of its matches this season. Again, home ground advantage may swing the favouritism towards Maffra.
Leongatha make the long trip to Bairnsdale.
Despite dropping a game to Wonthaggi, the Parrots have been in just as impressive form as the ladder leaders. They should win well against the winless Bairnsdale and enjoy their trip home.