Last week's defining round pitted the competitions top three sides against their closely ranked rivals from fourth through to sixth place, with the higher ranked teams all finding themselves on the losing end as the make-up of the premiership ladder was again reshaped.
Round six will offer spectators plenty, none more so then the contest that will bubble between rivals Rosedale and Heyfield who sit side by side on the ladder standings which will see the inclusion of some new faces to the Blues line-up.
ROSEDALE's Ben Macreadie and his panel will be spoilt for choices at the selection table this week, with the Blues to add extra cavalry in the way of three former AFL players who will run out in the navy blue against HEYFIELD.
A childhood friendship between Rosedale assistant coach Brad Caldwell, and former St Kilda footballer and Traralgon local Andrew McQualter has brought about the opportunity. McQualter will be joined by fellow Richmond Football Club colleagues, former Hawthorn Premiership ruckman Max Bailey now Richmond development coach and Hawthorn 96 game player, Richmond Victorian Football League (VFL) coach Tim Clarke.
The trio boast 233 senior games between them, including McQualter's 10 finals appearances which include three grand finals that of 2009 and the drawn grand final and replay of 2010. Drafted from Gippsland Power at pick 17 in the first round of the 2004 National Draft, McQualter, since retiring from playing at the elite level joined Richmond Football Club as a development coach and plays in their VFL side.
When the idea was broached by his good mate for the pair to take to the field in the same team for the first time in years, McQualter was quick to agree to have a kick with Caldwell's side.
Rosedale's luxury of riches will be sure to stretch this week's opponent Heyfield. But one wouldn't write off Heyfield solely on the back of the Blues big ins. The Kangaroos shook things up against Sale City, as they reminded the competition of the might of last year's runners-up.
The Blues are renowned for being the thorn in the side of the Kangaroos. Little has separated the sides at the final siren in past encounters, with this week's meeting expected to be no different.
Returning home following two successful outings on the road, YARRAM has moved into second position on the premiership ladder standings behind top placed Sale City who too boast a win loss ledger of 4-1, and .07 percent in front of Heyfield equal on 16 points in third.
It's been a big fortnight for the Demons who claimed victory against Heyfield and Rosedale for the first time since entering the league. Flexing their muscles against fellow final aspirants, the Demons well and truly have the competition on notice and will be out to continue their winning form ahead of next week's clash against the reigning premiers.
But before then, the Demons will host a side who have yet to found their groove in season 2015. In vast contrast to Yarram, GLENGARRY sit at the tail end of the ladder standings with a win loss ledger of 0-5, and with Rosedale and Heyfield next on the agenda, there's certainly no respite for coach Robbie Cahill and his side.
A combination of factors including injuries and player turnover have not helped, with Glengarry facing a huge challenge to return to the lofty heights of their premiership year of 2013.
In their current form Yarram appear on song to make it three from three at home.
WOODSIDE come into the contest against SALE CITY on the back of their second win, while the Dogs will look to bounce back from their first defeat.
It will be a tough assignment for the Wildcats who are yet to record a win at home, while the Dogs will be disappointed with their lapses in concentration and discipline that proved a telling factor in the side's 31 point loss to Heyfield and will be eager to return to the winners list in emphatic style.
It was five weeks in the making, and the rendition of the GORMANDALE song last Sunday afternoon has never been sung with such gusto as the Tigers opened their season account after what had been a trying month.
Gaining momentum in past weeks the Tigers fell narrowly short against Rosedale, before holding arch rival Glengarry at bay in Sundays contest.
Despite claiming the points coach Luke Henderson will not allow his side any respite, with there to be no taking the foot off the pedal according to the man at the helm.
"It was good to get the win, the side has certainly settled in past weeks and the guys are understanding the game plan," said Henderson.
"Our defensive pressure is beginning to become our trademark, in past weeks it has been that pressure combined with the contested footy which has been really good.
"We know what is required against Churchill, we know that we will have to take that pressure to another level and continue to improve. The last four weeks we have been good, bar one quarter against Yarram, we know that if we continue to apply the defensive pressure as we have that we will be in with a chance most weeks, we just have to apply it for a full four quarters."
Highlighting the opening rounds as an adjustment not only for the playing personnel but the coaches too as they blend eight new inclusions into the mix, seeking out the best structures and positions for the team, Henderson is pleased with how it is all coming together.
"We are beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel, three years ago we lost matches by big margins, but through recruitment and the development of many of the kids over the past two to three years we are beginning to see some rewards.
"18 year old Al Jenkin has been a big inclusion in the ruck, Kapun Morris across half back provides us with plenty of drive and it is these guys that are driving our older guys which is exciting," said Henderson.
Gaining momentum, the reigning champs CHURCHILL have begun to find their way after a slow start and will be tough competition for the ninth placed Tigers in the battle of the big cats.
There will be many factors that Henderson will need to consider when selecting his side this week, none more so then how to hold Churchill forward Tim Darby at bay. Sitting sixth on the goal kicking standings with 13 majors, six of which came last week, Henderson is confident that his backline can match it with the Cougars forward line and goal scoring midfield.
Set to be confined to the small spaces of the Gormandale ground, the Cougars will need to adjust their game plan to ensure victory.
The alarm bells haven't sounded for TTU not yet. There is certainly no sign of panic coming from within the Bombers camp, however Saturdays match against COWWARR is a must win for the fifth placed Bombers if they are to remain in contention with the competitions front runners.
Hit hard by injury the Bombers will need to dig deep, and hold a Saint outfit at bay who were disappointing by all accounts against the Wildcats going down by 13 goals in a one sided affair.
Focused on improvement, the Bombers will be confident that they will have what it takes to bounce back ahead of a tough assignment on the road in round seven. While the Bombers will be confident that they have what it takes, the man at the helm of the Saints Luke Cooper will be looking for a reversal in form and improvement from within his squad who have just the one win to date.
While they still remain in arms reach of the competitions leading six, the gap will quickly become unmanageable if the Saints can't get their season back on track. Expect the Saints to test the Bombers resolve in a classic arm wrestle.
By Lauren Carey