Close to 12 weeks ago the clash between COWWARR and GLENGARRY was viewed as a must win match with neither side yet to open their season account.

Renowned for their slow start out of the blocks, it wasn't surprising the Saints had yet to register the four points however for the Magpies it was a concern as to why the relatively unchanged lineup that had forced their way into finals the year prior had yet to post victory.

Fast forward three months, and how much has changed. From a poor start to the season, the Saints and Magpies have elevated themselves into the top five. Glengarry nudging out Woodside last round to perch themselves into fifth position for the first time this season, while Cowwarr made their move on the top five a fortnight ago to sit one rung above in fourth.

In their current form, the sides are by far the inform teams of the competition having won their last five matches on the run with Cowwarr quick becoming the specialists at the great escape narrowly scraping over the line in their last two matches.

Little separates the two sides on paper both lineups boast solid back six lines who have held their own in past rounds against formidable opposition, power forwards of Cowwarr's Tim Johnston and Glengarry's go to man Mark Engley who has booted 16 majors in his last three outings will be eager to fire in front of goal, while the duel between the engine rooms will be sure to enthrall with both sides boasting marquee midfielders.

Saints coach Luke Cooper will be fully aware that his side will need to put together a strong four quarter effort and can ill afford to allow Glengarry to blow out to a commanding lead in the opening term otherwise they will be relegated to playing catch up footy against a quality outfit who punished the reigning premiers last round.

Renowned for their tight physical contests which have enthralled crowds over recent years, spectators can expect a quality contest with the Saints to hold sway on their home turf in a nail biter.
HEYFIELD's premiership defence has hit a road bump over the past fortnight with the Kangaroos dropping clashes to Rosedale and Glengarry. Up until that point the reigning premiers tilt at back to back titles continued to hum along having won nine straight matches as they continued to gain momentum towards the pointy end of the season.

While there is no need for panic alarms just yet, the Kangaroos find themselves back among the pack sitting one game clear of the log jam below them with four points separating second placed TTU from sixth place Woodside, this weeks result is crucial in ensuring the Kangaroos remain at the top of the premiership ladder standings.

Under no illusions as to the prospect the Kangaroos pose, BOISDALE/BRIAGOLONG coach Daniel Sandeman will be looking for his chargers to minimise their skill error and increase their work rate to ensure they are competitive against one of the competitions front runners.

Impressing in the opening half of last week's clash against Sale City, the Bombers faded away after half time with the effects of a six day turnaround between clashes having an effect.

Celebrating the highs of defeating the competitions biggest improvers Woodside, to feeling the effects of a 65 point drubbing at the hands of Sale City it has been a tumultuous fortnight for the Bombers and the going isn't going to get any easier with the side to meet Heyfield on the rebound.

Desperate to return to the winners list after watching their end of season ambitions slowly drift from their grasp, WOODSIDE threw all they had at Gormandale in the final term of their contest last Saturday to fall agonisingly close to breaking a four game losing streak.

It has been a lean month for the Wildcats who up until round seven had been the big cats of the competition claiming a number of top five scalps on their way to confirming a finals berth come seasons end. But how much can change, since that day they have meet Cowwarr, Glengarry and TTU three sides who have made the competition their own over the past month. But it has been the losses to Boisdale/Briagolong and Gormandale that are of greater concern, with the Wildcats ranked significantly higher than the opposition. It is for this reason that the Wildcats can ill afford to take the clash against SALE CITY lightly.

Registering their third win of the season with a 10 goal victory, the young pups were up and about bouncing back from the disappointments of past weeks to string together one of their best four quarter efforts for the year. With their tails wagging and confidence high, it is crunch time for the Wildcats.

Claiming the honours in round three, past results will mean little with the Dogs up and about and eager to improve on their win loss ledger.
Holding on in an enthralling final quarter challenge, GORMANDALE will be confident they can carry their winning form into Saturdays contest against the Cougars.

In contrast this week's opponent CHURCHILL's season is on the line. With a win loss ledge of five-six the Cougars sit one game outside the five having stared down the barrel of three straight losses.

Dropping their last three matches against sides ranked inside the top five, the Cougars must regain their composure and make a mark on the competition in coming weeks if they are to remain in contention with the leading quartet and mount a challenge to return to finals football.

While the Tigers confidence will be high, it will be a tough assignment for the home side that will need to counteract the Cougars many avenues to goal. Break down their defence also halting the flow of the sides damaging running midfield brigade, a tough task for any side.

The Tigers back six is one of the best in the competition despite the side's ladder standing and will be ready for the challenge, however the visitors will be hopeful for a strong performance from their forwards as they aim to return to the winners list.

On Sunday, games don't get any bigger than the contest between second place TTU and third place ROSEDALE with a mere 29 percentage points separating the sides.

It is easy to describe this week's clash as an "eight point" game, claiming the honors in their earlier encounter, the Bombers will be fully aware that the Blues are no easy beats and will provide spirited competition in an early prelude to September action with the victor to draw one game clear on the premiership ladder standings.

Expect nothing less than a tight physical contest, with the side's backlines key in deciding the result.

By Lauren Carey