The league's recent decision to reintroduce the top-eight finals system has revived clubs’ chances of featuring in finals action.
One club in particular is Barooga.
Sitting in 10th spot on the ladder, the Hawks are one game outside the finals equation.
Which is what makes the upcoming round nine encounter against Moama an enticing contest.
The Magpies hold onto eighth spot ahead of challengers Numurkah and Barooga and a win this weekend will give them plenty of breathing space for the final two rounds.
But all eyes will be on Barooga Recreation Reserve for the important bout for eighth spot.
“It is exciting for our boys. If we win our next three we are guaranteed a finals spot,” Barooga coach Tim Hargreaves said.
“If it were to happen (play finals) it would give the boys plenty of excitement heading into next year.
“But we have got to knuckle down, there's still plenty of water to go under the bridge.”
This weekend will be the first encounter between the two sides in 2021.
Hargreaves highlighted the need for his side to "not over complicate" how it plays.
He wants to see his players be first to the contest, win the ball and pump it in long to the forwards.
Daniel Johnstone (30 goals) and Riley Gow (19) have enjoyed strong campaigns and will again be important figures for the Hawks.
“Moama will be really competitive; they always are,” Hargreaves said.
“For us, it's all about doing the basics right and getting first use of the footy. Don't overuse the ball and get it in quick to the forward line for DJ (Johnstone) and Riley.”
Hargreaves said the past few weeks without being able to play had been challenging, but his players were champing at the bit.
“We haven't played for a month and it kind of feels like starting the first round all over again,” he said.
“It has been hard with the uncertainty and not knowing what might happen, but the boys have kept a good fitness base up and they are doing their best.
“We've been able to train together for the past couple of sessions and everyone is looking forward to getting back into playing again.”
Numurkah is set to host Rumbalara in another crucial contest.
The Blues sit in the same boat as Barooga and are desperate to climb into the top eight.
Rumba, who sit sixth, are eyeing off the double chance and can't afford to drop a game against the ninth-ranked Blues.
Nathalia travels to take on Echuca United, while Finley welcomes Cobram.
Congupna gets a crack at knocking off undefeated Tongala, while Mulwala and Deniliquin square off in the other match of the round.
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