The race for a spot in the Goulburn Valley League finals will reach another level this weekend, with a number of important games set to shape the competition on Saturday.
Mooroopna’s battle with Seymour headlines the round 15 action, while the Shepparton Swans will face rival Shepparton and Kyabram will face a tricky trip to Echuca.
Mooroopna v Seymour
Mooroopna will welcome Seymour to the Cattery on Saturday afternoon in a game that is crucial for both clubs.
The Cats are clinging to fourth spot on the ladder and are two games ahead of Seymour in sixth spot.
But with Rochester breathing down both sides’ necks, a loss will make playing finals football difficult for the loser.
“It looks like you’re going to need 12 wins to guarantee entry (into the finals),” Mooroopna coach John Lamont said.
“We’re on 10, they’re on eight, so it’s a massive game.
“It promises to be a really good game of footy, hopefully conditions will allow a good brand of footy to be played but we’re expecting a really tough game.”
Mooroopna will be without Kai Madgwick for the weekend’s game, while the two-pronged attack of Chris Nield and Jackson Trengove is sure to cause the Lions problems.
While at the other end, former AFL talent Michael Hartley will keep Mooroopna’s defenders on edge.
Seymour coach Ben Davey and his side will be full of confidence following their impressive win over Kyabram, which has kept their finals hopes alive.
Shepparton Swans v Shepparton
Two of the league’s up-and-coming outfits will do battle at Princess Park on Saturday.
Shepparton Swans play host to Shepparton and the title of being the best side outside the top seven is on the line.
Both sides have been in fine form of late, with the Swans downing Seymour by two points in round 13 and the Bears taking it up to Mansfield last week.
Shepparton coach Ted Lindon said his side would look to pick up where last week’s game ended.
“We finished off really strongly against Mansfield last week, we’re hoping to pick up where we left off there,” Lindon said.
“In terms of the match-up this weekend, we’re two sides in a pretty similar spot and next to each other on the ladder.
“They have some real high-end talent; they’ve probably been able to hit the scoreboard more than us but we’ve probably been able to defend a bit better.”
The Bears will be missing Max Brodie and Achoung Agog this weekend.
Both suffered serious knee injuries against Mansfield.
Echuca v Kyabram
In a game that is sure to impact the finals race, Echuca will welcome Kyabram to Victoria Park.
The clash of the Bombers is shaping up to be an interesting one.
Echuca has defeated every team in its path and Kyabram is desperate to lock in a top-six berth.
Kyabram coach Paul Newman said every game was important from here on in.
“We’re still probably just weighing up the end of the season and how we attack it,” Newman said.
“I think the way it is shaping up we’re going to have to win three of the last four to scrape in (to finals).
“We’re out there to continue to get better, which we need to do, and just put in a good effort.”
Newman said with a lot of new talent in the squad the Bombers had been inconsistent this season; however, he “still believes”.
“I keep telling the boys that if they just stick to it and we get all our pieces back at the right time I think we can still be competitive against the top couple of teams,” he said.
Kyabram will still be missing Tom Holman and Zac Keogh on Saturday, while forward Kyle Mueller, who returned last week, is out through suspension.
Shepparton United v Euroa
Shepparton United is hopeful of a competitive performance as it welcomes premiership contender Euroa to Deakin Reserve.
Falling to Mooroopna by 85 points last week, the Demons will be desperate to give a better account of themselves this weekend.
United coach Paul Serra outlined how his young team would approach the game.
“We know Euroa have a lot of quality players, so we’re just trying to have a look at the best match-ups for us and aim to at least compete in the midfield,” Serra said.
“If we can get our share of the ball in there, hopefully we can score a little bit more than we have in previous weeks.”
In team news, young gun Mitch Trevaskis will go out of the side after a broken jaw in last week’s game.
The injury will rule him out for the season.
The Demons will, however, get Oscar Ryan and Charlie Di Stefano back from Murray Bushrangers duties, with the pair set to provide a welcome boost through the midfield and across half forward.
United will host the Magpies at 2pm on Saturday.
Tatura v Rochester
Tatura will take on the Tigers on Saturday afternoon in another important round 15 clash.
For Rochester it’s a must-win, with Steven Stroobant’s side aiming to lock in a top-six finish.
Meanwhile, Tatura will be looking to celebrate a local hero.
Bulldog legend Linc Wellington, who played game 300 last week, will this week become the club’s games record holder.
Tatura coach Paul Kirby said it would be a big day for the club.
“To be the club record holder for games played is a massive achievement,” Kirby said.
“You might not see something like this again, a player reach 300 games and break a club record, with the way local footy is going.
“We’ll celebrate the day and we’ll go out and give it our best shot.”
Benalla v Mansfield
The Saints will welcome the Eagles to the Showgrounds on Saturday afternoon for a game that could go either way.
While Mansfield sits higher on the ladder and is sure to go deep into the post-season, Benalla has been much improved of late and with Jarrad Waite up and about the side is sure to be competitive.
However, Benalla will be up against it this week, with Chad Owen’s Eagles coming off three wins in a row.
The contest at the Benalla Showgrounds will begin on Saturday at 2pm.