An appetising round of matches greets North Gippsland Football League followers, with four of the competitions top five sides meeting in showdowns which will resemble an early prelude to September action.

Eight rounds into the season the competition couldn't be any closer with last year's grand finalists Heyfield fully aware that it isn't a one horse race to the penultimate prize. Yet to drop a match, the competition has risen to a whole other level with opposition sides draw in on competitions number one ranked side the Kangaroos.

With a mere eight points separating third from sixth place the competition is hot for the prized top of the table placings.

Two such sides with a top five berth in their sights will do battle for a claim on fourth position on the premiership ladder standings with YARRAM hopeful of extending their winning streak at home against CHURCHILL.

Coming into the contest refreshed from the bye, Demons coach Grif Underwood has made his chargers fully aware of what is required against the competitions front runners.

"The boys are well aware that you need to play four quarters of footy especially against the top teams, and Churchill certainly looks to be one of them.

"This weekend's game should be a good test for us with everyone coming into the contest refreshed from the weeks break," said Underwood.

Reflecting on the season to date Underwood notes that side is "travelling ok" however is disappointed with the few close losses the side has suffered away from their home ground.

Winning all four matches at home the Demons coach is hopeful the side can keep their winning streak intact, but will be wary of the Cougars who played some of their best football last Saturday despite dropping the points.

Sitting level with the Demons on points, this week's winner will be able to create a handy buffer from the log jam below and set the victor in good stead come the pointy end of the season.

Churchill coach Allan Chandler knows that his side's effort was there in the contest against ladder leaders Heyfield however the seasoned coach also knows that effort doesn't win you games.

"The guys put in a good effort on the weekend, but effort does not win games we need to execute better.

"This weekend is a huge game the battle for fourth spot on the ladder against a side in Yarram who are travelling very well and haven't lost at home," said Chandler.

Aware that the Cougars will need to pull together a full four quarters, something that Chandler says that the side hasn't done all year whether the side has been behind or in front if they are to win the contest this is only just one element that Chandler notes the side needs to address.

"We are going okay, there is plenty of room for improvement and we are seeing some improvement in some areas but this needs to continue if we are to make finals and be a threat.

"Some of the younger players are showing serious improvement in their game with Jordon Fenech, Hamish Towns, Nic Celima and Nathan Osborne among them. While Joe Whykes is continuing his good form for the season," said Chandler.

The two Bombers will look to take flight when TTU play host to their namesake the BOISDALE/BRIAGOLONG Bombers.

With both sides claiming just the one victory to date, the points are crucial for the morale of both clubs who will be eager to impress in the round nine clash.

Taking the contest up to the second placed Dogs for over three quarters TTU will fancy their chances with the advantage of their home turf to serve them well. But the Bombers from the west can't get too confident, the eastern end of the competition Bombers regained a number of key players to the line-up last week who will be better for the weeks run and they too will fancy their chances.

Despite the sides rankings the stage is set for an entertaining contest.

ROSEDALE go into the top contest against second placed SALE CITY battered and bruised from a hard hitting physical contest which halted the fast running Blues from their usual high scoring game.

The going won't get any easier for the Blues who may just meet their match, with the Dogs having strung together a winning streak of six. City's momentum challenges even ladder leaders Heyfield's strong opening showing.

Reversing their fortunes under coach Hayden Burgiel the Dogs will be challenged against a classy Blues outfit who in many ways are a reflection of themself. Like their counterparts the Blues run and drive off half back is second to none with their ability to score on the rebound impressive. The two sides boast hard at it fleet footed midfield brigades which will ensure an enticing contest from the opening bounce. The ruck stocks at both clubs command respect, while the forward line structures will see the back six of either side stretched if they allow too much room.

WOODSIDE coach Chris Pettitt has described this week's opponent HEYFIELD as a "class above the rest", with the Wildcats coach aware that his side will need to push aside the disappointment of dropping the contest at the death last Saturday and concentrate on the task at hand.

"We obviously understand that Heyfield is a class above the rest at the moment.

"It is always a great test to see who can step it up against the top sides in the competition.

"We are hoping to have a few return from injury for the game and were looking forward to the challenge, it is always good to play the best teams," said Pettitt.

Showing that they can match it with the competition front runners the task ahead is epic. While the Kangaroos were strangled in the final term against a rampaging Cougar outfit one would expect the number one ranked side to rebound strongly.

COWWARR are one club who are on the march following their one point thriller over Woodside.

Claiming three wins to date and sitting one win out of the top five the Saints are gathering momentum living up to their title of past seasons as the sleeping giants.

Starting the season slowly as in previous years the Saints will be confident of making it two on the run, however as previous history has shown there are no guarantees when the side hosts GORMANDALE.

Coming into the contest on the back of a solid effort against third place Rosedale, Gormandale will be fully aware that they have held the upper hand against the Saints in recent seasons which will be a fact that coach Luke Henderson will no doubt draw on at training during the week.

GLENGARRY has the BYE.

BY Lauren Carey