The second and third placed teams play off against each other in what should be an enthralling match, as the Mallee Football League moves forward into round 11.
Ouyen United have the chance to join the Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers on equal points if they are able to defeat the second placed Tigers. Ouyen United have won the previous 4 matches in convincing fashion and have had a spread of contributers around the ground and on the scoreboard. Ben Gregg and Benjamin Mole have proved to be damaging through the centre of the ground and with Marc Hahnel controlled clearances, The Demons will stand a good chance of running out the match.
Brad Vallance has been dominant in the Ouyen forward line, but with the good form of Luke Martin in the Tigers backline, he could be in for a tough day. The Tigers have barely put a foot wrong since their solitary loss to Beulah earlier in the season, and coming off the bye they will look to put their opposition away early. A win to the Tigers will see them move two games clear in second position and will go a long way towards their run at the finals. Simon Weekly and Cliff Ryan have been class acts all season in front of the goals for the Tigers and will be difficult to clamp down on.
The second match of the round is a real juxtaposition with Jeparit-Rainbow hosting Beulah at the Jeparit Recreation Reserve. Beulah are currently undefeated this season and appear to be going from strength to strength. Jeparit-Rainbow have played some good football this season but unfortunately have not been able to put 4 full quarters together and record their first win. Callum Buchannan and Shaun Monohan have owned the midfield for the Blues this year, and with Andrew Hughes back from injury, the Lakers will have to plan their match-ups carefully.
Dennis Redden has been the primary focal point for Beulah this season and the Lakers will need to reduce his influence if they are to record an upset. This game isn't a forgone conclusion however, as Heath Clugston and Luke Werner have shown there is still some fight in the Jeparit-Rainbow side. Elliot Bath and Brodie Grant have shown that they can be relyed upon to kick goals and will need to keep up their run of form.
The final match of the round sees Walpeup-Underbool play Hopetoun at home. Both teams have struggled for consistancy so far this year, and a win this Saturday for either side will hopefully result in a change of fortunes. The trip up north is always a formidable one, and the Roo's will put on a good show for the home crowd. Kane Munro can be a difficult match up and if Hopetoun can't find someone to lock him down, he is capable of kicking a bag of goals.
Matt Palmer and Nathan Brown have been solid contributers down back for the Roo's, but they will need more from their midfield if they are a chance of claiming the four points. Jackson Fisher and Hayden Drew have been playing good football all year for Hopetoun, while Liam Price and Zac Robins are consistently in the best. The Devils will need a lift from the whole team if they are to win this match, and this game presents the perfect opportunity for some of the younger Devils to stand up.
By Daniel Huttig