by Rob Popplestone
It has become obvious that any Mid Gippsland side who turn up not ready to play will likely become unstuck against any team, at any time.
As even as the competition was last year, the 2025 season is looming even tighter with close contests and upsets already sprinkled amongst the results.
Returning from the Easter break, five games will be held on Saturday and one on Sunday in round three of Mid Gippsland footy.
Hill End v MDU
Hill End nearly stole their first win in many a month, falling agonisingly close to predicted finals contender Morwell East.
The Hillsmen were okay in round one but stepped up in round two to show evidence they are a side capable of mixing it with some of the best.
"We are getting fitter, but to be honest we are still not there yet," Hill End coach Adrian Burns said. "Week one to week two was an improvement. But I still believe that if we work hard and get even more match fitness, we can be more competitive for longer periods, which this week against MDU is sure to be important."
Make no mistake, MDU is a side on the rise. Although disappointing in their season opener, the Demons quickly showed improvement to account for Thorpdale before the Easter break.
MDU coach Rhett Kelly said he was looking forward to the game against Hill End coming off a solid game against Morwell East.
"We will once again have a few changes due to a few injuries in round two," Kelly said. "I hope that we can back our efforts up and prove to each other that we are on the right track after two completely different performances to start the year off."
MDU have the talent, but consistency from talent is key to the Demons' fortunes this year. Trent McRae, Jarvis Lacy, Shaye Walsh and Jason Kennedy were some of the best against the Blues, and they, along with a handful of teammates, will need to continue to perform each week.

Thorpdale v Foster
As honest as they are and as aggressive as they can be, Thorpdale fell short in round two. This weekend offers a challenge every bit as demanding when they take on an impressive Foster outfit.
Thorpdale coach Daniel Taylor described round two as disappointing as his team couldn't get the game on their terms all day.
"We got beaten on the inside and comprehensively beaten on the outside by a fit and fast MDU side in hot conditions," Taylor said. "We just couldn't go with them on the spread, we couldn't get any pressure on the ball carrier, which meant their forwards became a real handful."
"Looking forward to our first home game of the year against Foster, it's another big game," he added.
The Blues will need more of the best from the likes of Jacob Patullo, Heath Ferguson, Shaun Falla, Travis Patten and James De Virgilio, just to name a few. But, it will take support from another dozen to really take it up to Tigers.
"We look forward to going up to Thorpdale and seeing how we go," Foster coach Sam Davies said. "They've recruited well - so they'll test us big time."
Blues coach "Tac" Taylor is capable of getting his side up and about for clashes just like this one. He will need to, as this Foster team appears to be the real deal.
Mirboo North v Tarwin
The most unfortunate thing about the Easter break, which no doubt has been enjoyed by most, is having to wait an extra week to get back on the bike after a loss. That is where these two sides find themselves in round three.
Mirboo North coach Damian Turner said it was the club's first home game, with both sides sitting with one win and one loss.
"It'll be a hugely important match for our seasons and no doubt a hot contest," Turner said. "Can't wait to get back into it."
The Tigers have put together some good talent and are well prepared after a demanding pre-season. However, they now need to turn that into premiership points as a reward for hard work. That is what it will take against Tarwin.
Tarwin coach Lachie Jones said his team was outworked by Stony Creek in round two, stating "I hope we respond".
The Sharks simply must respond. Jones has led the way for Fergus Warren, ex-Gippsland League star Jordan Staley, Ben Chalmers and Ben Ellen, but being beaten because of being outworked will be a focus of improvement this weekend.
Stony Creek v Yinnar
This clash is a super important one for the home ground Lions after a good round two win. It is the benchmark, or at least one of, that they must face this week. And, what better way to test yourselves than against one of the best in front of your own supporter base?
Stony Creek Troy Shepherdson described Yinnar as the in-form team of the competition.
"Yinnar will be a great challenge for our boys, one we are very much looking forward to," Shepherdson said.
Embracing the challenge is key. Whilst doing so, identifying which personnel lift to the occasion can fast track who should be where and when.
Yinnar demands the opposition play their best to stay with them. And, if they don't, it will be a most uncomfortable afternoon for Stony Creek.
"Plenty to work on going into the Easter break," Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch said. "Looking forward to our next challenge with another tough away game over at Stony Creek."
Yinnar are only just starting to warm up and there is no need to be playing your best footy at this time of the year. However, winning is crucially important. Expect the Magpies to lift to a level that the match demands in order to get what they came for.
Toora v Fish Creek
Toora have gone from the heat of Yinnar to the fire of Fish Creek in the space of a fortnight. The Magpies might be at home but the task of taking on the reigning premiers on the rebound is as tough as it is likely to get.
Mind you, Toora coach Jay Accardi was reasonably happy with some of his team's efforts against last year's runners-up Yinnar in round two.
"We played some really good football in the first quarter, where our pressure was up and our ability to move the ball was on point," Acardi said. "This week it's a another massive task in round three, coming up against Fish Creek who will be looking to bounce back from their round one defeat. But we will be ready for the challenge."
The Kangaroos have won the ultimate prize two years in a row. However, in a new year, they - like Toora - they were beaten by Yinnar.
"Some polish and game style proved too strong in the end, so credit to Yinnar," Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker said, acknowledging the positives including a few first gamers.
With two weeks off to regroup and iron out a few deficiencies, Walker said he was looking forward to Toora, noting it's "always a physical contest and never easy at their ground".
"We took a lot of our first game, so looking to put some of our learnings into practice," he added.
Stranger things have happened - mind you, I can't think of them at the moment - but they say you only ever lose if you don't learn. If Toora can walk from the ground having giving their all and taken some lessons along the way, there is no doubt they will be a better side for it.
Sunday
Boolarra v Morwell East
Boolarra are already on a high, complements of their successful start to the season. Coupled with the inclusion this week of an experienced former AFL player and another home ground appearance, it is safe to say that the Demons are up and about.
"With Mitch Robinson joining the boys in a Sunday stand-alone game against East in week three, spirits are high at Demonland at this early stage of the year," Boolarra coach Brendan Mason said.
As impressive as Boolarra has been, it is safe to say that their opponents still seem to be a little short of the level that league followers had come to expect throughout 2024.
That said, you get the feeling it could turn at any time. There would be no better time than this weekend's stand-alone clash.
"Always a hard game against Boolarra and this Anzac Day Sunday clash will be huge," Morwell East coach Paul Henry said. "Looking forward to it."
As big as it is for the clubs, it also looms - if the weather is kind - as a perfect time to lure a big crowd to what is destined to be a very even contest.
Boolarra going three and zero would be beyond most expectations. But, so too would Morwell East being stuck on just the single win from three rounds.
Bye: Newborough.