by Rob Popplestone
The last round of the Mid Gippsland Football home and away season will provide the answers to some of the competition's biggest questions.
Two hours this Saturday afternoon promise to both make and break clubs' hopes and dreams. In some ways, finals will start before they have even started.
Foster v Hill End
Having already locked in their finals involvement, these two clubs have a few things to consider as they meet on Saturday.
There is a very real possibility they will clash again, just seven days later, in an elimination final. Given that information, just how they approach this week's contest will be intriguing.
"I think we are really hanging out for the bigger games to start - Hill End at home is a great build in for that," Foster coach Sam Davies said. "Looking forward to celebrating the seasons of our reserves and netballers as well next week, as they finish their seasons off."
There is a lot to be proud of for both clubs. But, without doubt, there is also so much more to achieve in the weeks ahead.
Hill End might not be at their best, as their match before the bye highlighted.
"Again, we couldn't put four quarters together, but again, proved our best is absolutely good enough," Hill End coach Mike Santo said. "The week off came at a good time, followed by this week, a great test before finals against Foster."
Will these teams meet again? The evenness of the competition means just who finishes where, and who inevitably plays who, won't be known until the last minute of the game.
Thorpdale v Tarwin
Different coaches might have differing views on what is the best preparation for a finals campaign.
Some enjoy the very best of opposition, whilst some would appreciate the bye to give their players a much needed break. For Tarwin, they find themselves up against a side that might not be the toughest in the league but will certainly throw their very best at the Sharks.
Tarwin coach Troy Hemming predicts Thorpdale, coming off the bye, will play their best footy to finish off the season.
"We really want to finish well to take good form into finals," Hemming said.
Tarwin will be accounting for Thorpdale, but the Blues can always be counted on for their best every week.
"The positive attitude and good vibes around the group has been a credit to all our boys," Thorpdale coach Ray Pickering said.
There is still work to be done. For Tarwin, their minds will be on what is required in a fortnight. For Thorpdale, season 2023 will hopefully provide a small step forward in their development.
Morwell East v Yinnar
Finals "officially" start next week but, make no mistake, finals start now for Morwell East and Yinnar.
The Hawks had every chance to lock away their finals hopes last week against Mirboo North, but came up short. Their loss to the Tigers means whoever wins this much anticipated clash will also earn the right to take the first step towards a premiership assault.
"Couldn't be more disappointed in our lack of desire to compete in the first half, considering the size of the opportunity," Morwell East coach Devon Soutar said. "Produce that rubbish again, and we deserve to miss out. I demand and expect a response in what will be an all out war against Yinnar this week for a finals spot."
It has always been thought that Yinnar might be one of the best sides ever to miss out on the MGFNL finals. However, as the cards have fallen in the past week, they might not be out of the picture yet.
Yinnar coach Daniel Taylor says the Mirboo North boys helped his side by knocking off Morwell East, setting up a massive game for his team this week.
"I feel like the East might be feeling a bit of pressure," Taylor said. "They were tipped early on as a premiership favourite, and right now the sixth spot is theirs to lose."
"All of a sudden, our season is alive. So the message for my boys is to enjoy the opportunity, enjoy the day, have some fun and may the best team win," he added.
The victor will deserve their finals chance. And, from there, anything is possible.
Boolarra v Toora
If ever Boolarra needs a kill, it is this week. There will be no second chances come finals time for a side that has promised plenty for most of the season, only to come up short in the last few weeks.
This is the chance for the Demons to regain some confidence, regain some form and regain the edge that will be required to face the tests that are sure to confront them in the week or weeks that follow.
"Last week, our first quarter was pretty even and, from then on, Newborough's run and carry started to cut us up," Boolarra coach Tony Giardina said. "To the boys' credit, they fought out the last quarter and didn't let the scoreboard blow out. (We) need to get back on winners' list before finals time."
The Demons really do need the win but also find the sort of game style and intensity that had them in second place on the ladder just a fortnight ago.
Toora might not provide the sort of fierce opposition of Newborough the week before, but they won't be a walk in the park either.
Toora coach Matt Ponton said his players showed fight and competitive play last week, "which was pleasing to watch and for our fans".
You would expect even more fight from Toora this week. It might not be enough to claim another victory, but it will be enough to bring out Boolarra's best.
Fish Creek v Mirboo North
Mirboo North may not be a finals contender, but they have upset some of the biggest clubs in the competition in the past month.
The Tigers this week, like their opponent Fish Creek, are playing simply for pride, for getting something out of a season that has fallen short of their expectations. Equally, it provides a final platform from which to build their respective 2023 seasons.
"I'm never going to go down without a fight and, once I put that jumper on, no matter what you do, it's just win at all costs," Mirboo North coach Josh Taylor said. "There is no doubt I will be back here playing here next year. I'm really looking forward to what a new coach brings, and really looking forward to new ideas. I think for our young group, with the experience he brings, will be good for the club."
After a week off, Fish Creek will be looking to finish the season on a high after being beaten by a team of Tigers two weeks ago. They face another in-form Tiger team to finish off their year.
"The Foster boys were just better for longer in our last match," Fish Creek coach John Danckert said. "We showed signs of what might have been for us. Now, after the bye, we have one to play against Mirboo North."
Remarkably, both teams would probably have performed admirably if they were to have secured a finals berth. However, what they do have, is a chance to finish 2022 on a high.
MDU v Stony Creek
Two very proud and honest sides of the competition will be doing the very best they can to finish off season 2022 with a win.
The win would put a full stop on a year that they may not have wanted, but one they can be proud of.
"We are hoping to carry the momentum of the second half into Stony this week," MDU coach Peter Harris said. "Our last game of the season at home, against our local rivals, is sure to be a good contest. We are keen to finish the season positively."
The Demons, like many, have shown glimpses of what they are capable of. On their day, they are up to mixing it with the very best. They will require some of that best as they meet a Lions side who would like nothing more than to finish the season with a win.
"We will be looking to finish the season off on a high," Stony Creek coach Jay Accardi said.
It has been a season of mixed fortunes for both clubs. There is just one more opportunity for success, an opportunity that is available for just one team.
Bye: Newborough.