by Nicholas Duck
It's round 16 in the Gippsland League and the first week of a split round, meaning there are just three games on this weekend. Still, with the top five as volatile as it is, there are plenty of interesting narratives as some of the teams enjoy their last break before finals time. Here's how this week is shaping up.
Traralgon vs Bairnsdale
Location: Traralgon Showgrounds
Fresh off an epic draw with Wonthaggi, Traralgon will be out to keep in touch with the top three this week against Bairnsdale.
The Maroons played in one of the season's finest games thus far as they tangled and tussled with one of the other teams looking to seal a double chance in the finals, and though they led that game late into the piece, they just couldn't quite get the job done.
It means they currently sit in fourth position, and will need to make sure they keep the wins coming if they want to regain that top three spot. The Maroons play some of the best footy the league has to offer at their best, but have been susceptible to some lacklustre performances across the season.
Still, they shouldn't be slipping up this week given the state of their opposition.
Bairnsdale's loss to Drouin last week would have been bitterly disappointing for a side that has already endured plenty of disappointments this year. Given the very winnable state of that game, to have been run over the way they were would be a bitter pill to swallow.
And given the Redlegs have won at Traralgon's home ground just three times in 49 attempts since 1960, it's very difficult to see this resulting in anything other than a Maroons victory.
Traralgon to win.
Warragul vs Sale
Location: Western Park
The cavalry returns for Warragul this week, who will be facing a mighty challenge against an in-form Sale.
With senior players like Nick Graham and Brayden Fowler back, the Gulls will be hoping they can make an immediate impact as they try their hand at an upset win. They do lose Coburg backman Jack Maibaum, however, after his stellar performance against Leongatha.
Even still, they'll be up against it as they face the Magpies, who have stolen second place thanks to Traralgon and Wonthaggi's draw, and you can be sure they won't be keen to give it up anytime soon.
Sale have won their past four games, with their smallest victory in that stretch being by 44 points. It means the Magpies are in roaring form, and will take a special effort to beat.
The fact that Sale have won the past eight meetings between the two sides, including their meeting earlier this year by 61 points, also doesn't help the Gulls' case, meaning this will be a very challenging game for them.
Still, one can't forget that at home the Gulls managed to draw with Wonthaggi and even defeat Traralgon, showing that if they're given a sniff they can cause a bit of havoc at Western Park.
Regardless, Sale should be looking at another win here, and will be keen on another big one.
Wonthaggi vs Morwell
Location: Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve
There probably isn't a side kicking themselves more than poor Morwell at the moment.
The Tigers have let two golden opportunities to cement their place in the top five slip over their past two matches, first against the indominable Leongatha and then last week against their biggest rival for fifth spot in Maffra.
In both matches the Tigers have well and truly been in the contest, and in the case of the Maffra game in an unenviable position to win, only to lose both by under a goal.
It means Morwell is now in a scrap to make finals, and with their relatively poor percentage they need to make every game a winner from here on out.
It won't be easy though, as they now have to face a side also desperate to win in Wonthaggi.
The Power were cruelly denied a comeback victory last week, instead having to settle for a draw against Traralgon.
As a result, they've slipped to third, and with the sharks circling their top three spot they'll also have to keep winning to ensure themselves a double chance in finals.
Morwell will want to remember their meeting earlier this year, where the Tigers announced they were serious business with a thrilling two-point win, but on the Power's home turf it may be that much more difficult.
Wonthaggi to win.