Jim Gordon previews the upcoming round 8 matches to be played in the Mallee FL.

Walpeup Underbool v Jeparit Rainbow

Jeparit Rainbow will approach this game with a lot of confidence after their victory against Hopetoun. In between that very good win and this visit to Underbool, the Lakers have had a bye and then it was the VCFL Inter League. Whilst this is probably not the best preparation for their game against Walpeup Underbool, Jeparit Rainbow has had some good performances this year whereas the Roos seem to have suffered a post premiership lapse before their very good last round win over Ouyen United.

One feature of this year's Jeparit Rainbow side is that it is a lot more even team to those fielded in recent years. They may not have as many star players as some of the other MFL sides, but they have improved their depth.

Heath Clugston has started to hit his straps after a slow start to the season and his younger brothers Simon and Tom both played well against the Devils.

Josh McCleary, Chris Meyer and Lucas Edelsten have been consistent performers in the last few games and the Lakers have a spread of forward options in Andrew Watson, Ben Zanker and Greg McLeish .

With an impressive last round win over local rivals Ouyen United, Walpeup Underbool could be on the way up the MFL ladder and will be strengthened by the return of Wade Champion after missing a week through injury. Jeremy Brown will also return after a solid game on a back flank in the Inter League game against Central Murray last weekend.

Coach Luke Nathan is also a chance to play after missing the majority of the season so far with an ankle injury.

The long trip to Underbool is usually a difficult one for Jeparit Rainbow and it may turn out to be a longer trip home as the Roos look too strong and too talented. Maybe the enthusiasm generated by their first win of the season against the Devils can be carried over to Saturday, but the team will need to play four very good quarters of football - something that has not happened so far this year.

Woomelang Lascelles v Hopetoun

Woomelang Lascelles are a much improved outfit to the one that took the MFL wooden spoon in 2012. The Cats will be chock full of confidence for their home game against Hopetoun who have yet to win a game. This match will bring together some of the stars from the Mallee win against Central Murray.

Hopetoun's Deek Roberts had a great first half and was one of those responsible for Mallee keeping pace with Central Murray when the match was there for the taking. In defence young Devil Zac Robins was tight, yet creative all day, Woomelang Lascelle's Aaron Lonergan was very good ... and then there was Trent Donnan.

Those fortunate enough to be at this game were treated to the sight of a dominant and stunning best-on-ground performance by the young Cat. Donnan was inspirational in his attack on the ball and he has a strength that belies his young years. Able to sum up play, Donnan had eyes only for the ball, he ran all day and continually broke away from the centre or half back driving his side into attack with accurate passing by hand or by foot. If he plays anywhere near as well against Hopetoun, the Cats will be well on the way to victory.

Hopetoun are no slouches. Their best players are the equal to anything in the league, but they fall away in the bottom five or six players and this has limited their progress this year. The Cats will be too good for the Devils at home and should have a good win.

Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers v Ouyen United

Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers will go into this game deserved favourites after a very good start to the year. Their only loss was when they went down by six points to Beulah and that was after the Tigers were nearly seven goals up at half time.

Ouyen United on the other hand has battled with consistency. A noble loss also to Beulah was followed by a home ground humiliation against the Roos.

Cliff Ryan and Jason Collins are providing the Tigers with a very effective two pronged attack, both kicked five goals against the Cats two weeks ago and their contested marking was a feature of the game. They will test out a very inexperienced Ouyen United defence with Aron Morrish and Joshua Langdon likely to match them up. Both of these young Demons are improving all the time.

Stephen Lyons, John Guthrie and Tom Summerhayes are going to have to team together and work hard against the dominant Damien Cupido in United's one pronged attack. Cupdio had a good duel with the Central Murray full back and still ended up with eight goals.

Inter League coach and Tiger captain Colin Durie worked tirelessly for the MFL side and ironically created a lot of attacking play through the two Demon wingmen Jerry Wilson and Mitchell Taylor who were among Mallee's best.

United will be hoping that Laurence Angwin will be fit enough to play this week as they desperately need him in the centre and around the ground. With Angwin in, the Dees may be half a chance, otherwise the Tigers should win at home in a canter.

By Jim Gordon