The Southern Mallee Giants will be looking for results to go their way this week to stay in touch with the top 2.
If the Giants can manage a win in their game against Woomelang Lascelles, and if Sea Lake Tigers get over the line against Ouyen United, it will leave the Cats, the Demons and the Giants all on 16 points.
A win against a top 3 seemed a distant prospect earlier in the season, however after playing their two best games for the season in the last two weeks, they seem to be building. This week will be the real test for the Giants.
Ben Webster may be a chance to return, however Lachie Foot is doubtful after not running out the game last week for the home side. The Giants will be looking to find some stability in their side as the season continues to progress.
They have had consistent contributors week in week out, however will need all guns firing if they are to beat a talented Woomelang Lascelles team.
Their will be a great battle in the midfield with Tyler Lehmann and Clint Burdett from the Giants taking on the likes of Trent Donnan and Pierce Liddle.
Kain Robins is coming off a best on ground performance, so the Cats will be devising a plan to combat his hard running and marking abilities. At the other end Devin Mcfarlane has pace and skill to burn and may also prove hard to match up on for the Giants.
This game is set to be a great battle and no doubt the team who wants it most may just come out on top.
The game between Ouyen United and the Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers was a thriller in the last round with the Demons scraping over the line by 4 points in a low scoring game. The Tigers will be out for revenge after giving up this game on their home ground.
The Demons backline is a strength. Coach Andrew Jardine alongside the fastly improving Aaron Morrish, are able to reduce the impact of opposition key forwards. It will be important for the Demons to regain some of their key players back this week. They are hoping for the return of key forward duo Brad Vallance and Laurence Angwin and onballers Dean Staunton, Henry Armour, Brad Summerhayes as well as the McGlynn brothers; or at least some of them.
Sea Lake Nandaly should be well rested coming off a bye. Simon Weekley has missed a few weeks of football now, but should return this week to add to their potent forward line. Bryce Scott is also a chance after nursing a shoulder injury.
There is no doubt the Tigers will be eager to overturn the last result. A win will take them 8 points clear of Ouyen United and give them breathing space on top of the ladder.
This round is set up for some exciting football and the results are all important in terms of ladder positions.
By Dale Shannon