Little separates the competitions front runners from the main pack with eight of the competitions 11 sides registering a win in the opening fortnight of North Gippsland Football.

For Cowwarr and TTU round three provides an opportunity to seek redemption for the one that got away with both sides going down by less than a kick last Saturday.

Last year's semi finalists TTU suffered their second defeat in a row with Glengarry snatching victory from the Bombers grasp. The going doesn't get any easier with their round three opponent HEYFIELD quickly being described by opposition coaches as the "team to beat".

Staring down the barrel of three straight losses, the Bombers have felt the effects of costly lapses of concentration in the opening rounds. It will be a tough assignment for TTU who will need to counteract the Kangaroos many avenues to goal.

Break down their defence which has been one of the best in past seasons while also halt the flow of the sides damaging running midfield brigade, a tough task for any side.

Boasting a new look ruck combination the Kangaroos ruck stocks is likely to stretch the Bombers, with TTU captain Luke Middleton baring the heavy load of ruck duties for the majority of game time in the opening clashes.

Booting the highest scores of the season to date the Kangaroos where ruthless in their four quarter performance over lesser ranked Sale City. Dominating the contest from the onset, the Kangaroos flexed their muscle as their experienced players rose to the occasion.

This week's opponent is a different proposition, no doubt reeling from the disappointment of past rounds one thing is guaranteed that TTU will start strongly on their home turf.

Must win matches aren't usually associated with games in round three but for bottom of the premiership ladder standings TTU, Saturdays clash against the Kangaroos is crucial. While the Bombers defenders will be stretched, the home side will be hopeful for a strong performance from their forwards as they look to cause one of the upsets of the season and seal their first win.

Beaten at their own game fourth placed YARRAM will refocus their attention as they play host to COWWARR who fell narrowly short in their opening clash of the season.

Fading away in the final term, the Demons have quickly learnt in their introduction to the league that anything less than a full four quarter effort will be quickly punished by opposition sides, such is the evenness of the competition.

Each week's opponent is a different proposition for the Demons, and it doesn't get any easier with the Saints showing that they are a formidable combination despite falling agonisingly short against Churchill.

Exploding out of the blocks in a blistering opening term, one thing is guaranteed that the Saints will again start strongly. Given this the Demons can ill afford to allow Cowwarr 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.

Reigning premiers GLENGARRY got their premiership defence underway with a gutsy come from behind performance against tough opposition.

It's a tough start to the season for the Magpies who have drawn three of last year's finalists in the opening round, with their premiership credentials put under the microscope early.

Sending a clear warning to the remainder of the competition that they are once again a serious contender for the flag, ROSEDALE have been ruthless over the past fortnight with the stage set for an epic contest this Saturday.

Renowned for their tight physical contests, the two line-ups have enthralled crowds over the past seasons and will again provide a quality contest with both backlines to be pitted against quality forward line structures which have caused opposition headaches in past weeks.

The big cats will do battle when CHURCHILL Cougars host the Wildcats in the battle for the Lakes Oil cup.

Enduring a tough preseason and armed with a tweaked game plan, the Cougars saw the fruits of their hard work rewarded with a come from behind two point victory last week. More than competitive in their opening matches, the Cougars have a number of bows to their string which they hope will expose Woodside who come into the contest on the back of the bye.

Boasting a strong back line the Cougars defence provides plenty of run from half back, the side's ability to run and carry the ball with an added injection of pace this season will test the Wildcats.

Watching from the sidelines last Saturday, Woodside will be looking for a solid hit out ahead of the clubs inaugural Good Friday clash against neighbours and new kids on the block Yarram. Before that the Wildcats would be eager to make it two from two however will know that toppling the Cougars at Gaskin Park is a tough prospect for any visiting side.

It is hard to read into either sides form over the past two weeks; however one thing that we can expect is a dogged contest with the Wildcats holding sway in a nail biter.

Dogs coach Hayden Burgiel was looking for a challenge and he has indeed been provided with one with his side feeling the raft of Heyfield at their best last weekend.

Round three sees the Dogs take to the road again this time to meet BOISDALE/BRIAGOLONG, while SALE CITY has held the upper hand over the Bombers in past seasons the question many will be asking does the Dogs have the ability to hold at bay a new look Bomber outfit?

More than competitive in their opening rounds the Bombers recorded their opening win of the season last Saturday and will be confident they can carry that match winning form into the contest against Sale City. But it will be far from one way traffic, reeling from their performance against the competitions number one ranked side Burgiel and his chargers will be aiming to regain some respect and may just find the smaller ground at Boisdale to their liking.

GORMANDALE has the BYE

By Lauren Carey