Nagambie (3-2) and Dookie United (3-2) clash in the round’s most impactful encounter as fifth meets sixth - and it’s safe to say the two sides approach this one in contrasting runs of form.
The teams’ respective runs to 3-2 are about as different as one could imagine, with the Lakers shooting out to a highly encouraging three-from-three start.
The home side will be in dire need of momentum, though, with a narrow round four defeat to Lancaster preceding a significant defeat at Girgarre last weekend to stall out their early surge.
Meanwhile, Dookie has been thoroughly consistent in its inconsistency to start 2024, boasting an alternating win-loss pattern over the first five rounds highlighted by a dominant victory at home to bottom-placed Rushworth a week ago.
With that said, Dookie remains in a state of catch-up after the league docked Laura Henderson’s side four points from their round one victory over Undera on the grounds of fielding an ineligible player.
Bureaucratic controversy aside, Henderson recognises that the task is to win out from here.
“We always have a good game against Nagambie. It’s still early days, though, and we’re still working on our game plan and other bits and pieces,” Henderson said.
“We don’t want to peak too early, but we’ve been looking forward to playing them and hopefully coming out with the win.
“Having Rushworth last week was a good chance for us to try a few things we had worked on at training; we’re gearing up for the next few weeks, which are challenging, but it’s something we’re looking forward to.”
Regardless of the points deduction for Dookie, the winner of this clash can expect to be comfortably nestled within finals spots, but Henderson acknowledges it doesn’t get too much easier in the short-term.
“We do know we’ve got a tough road ahead of us, and we need to grind out these extra wins to not take the foot off,” Henderson said.
“It’s a lot harder for us, but we’re working on adding new things to our game plan each week.
“We can’t afford to give anything away, and if we can make any upsets and knock off positions one or two, that should make sure we stay in contention.”
Beyond a pivotal meeting in Nagambie, two unbeaten sides step out into separate with the aim of preserving their respective perfect records - and perhaps anticipating a slip-up on the part of the other.
Lancaster (5-0) hits the road - albeit for about the shortest trip it could possibly make - as the Wombats take on a Merrigum (2-3) side that has faltered to start the year.
Meanwhile, Violet Town (5-0) gets home comforts in the Sunday timeslot as Longwood (1-4) comes to town in search of what would surely be the season’s biggest boilover to this point.
Girgarre (4-1) remains at the front of the chasing pack and boasts the competition’s best percentage, priming the Kangaroos for a major gain if they can knock over Murchison-Toolamba (2-3) and an upset occurs above them.
In a similar boat is Shepparton East (4-1), who has a chance to make significant inroads on a charge towards the top when winless Undera (0-5) makes the roadwork-diverted trip south-east to the courts of Central Park.
A meeting between sides on the periphery could have long-term ramifications on both seasons as Stanhope (2-3) plays host to 2023 grand finalists Tallygaroopna (2-3) with the winner achieving the safe ground of parity.
To round out the fixture, Avenel (2-3) will have eyes on that very same fate and most will expect the Swans to promptly square their ledger on the long round trip to Rushworth (0-5).
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