Warragul Industrials begin a season-defining four-week stretch when the Dusties hit the road to take on second-placed Cora Lynn on Saturday.
The Dusties have worked hard to get back into finals calculations, with wins over Garfield, Kooweerup, Bunyip and Dalyston propelling them into sixth-place.
But things get more difficult from here, with Cora Lynn (A), Kilcunda-Bass (A), Tooradin-Dalmore (H) and Inverloch-Kongwak (A) providing a great test of their credentials.
The Dusties currently sit on five wins and four losses, but only need to flick the calendar back 12 months to provide additional inspiration.
They sat on three wins and five losses last year, before winning eight of their last 10 to qualify sixth for finals.
Players like Travis Ogden, Mason McGarrity and Kyle Beveridge were key contributors in that winning run last year; and certainly won’t fear the challenge.
Lachie Bambridge and Corie Intveen are still in the infancy stages of their connection up forward, but kicked eight goals between them last week to show they can really cause some damage.
Cora Lynn is flying at the minute, currently on a six-game winning streak.
Win this one against the Dusties; then upcoming games against Dalyston, Garfield and Korumburra-Bena should see that winning streak extended to 10.
That’s the stuff of a genuine premiership contender.
The Dusties aren’t in that category just yet; so it’s the Cobras to make it seven straight with a 27-point victory.
The other big game this week sees Phillip Island host Tooradin-Dalmore in a blockbuster at Cowes.
Just like Cora Lynn, the Bulldogs are also on a six-game winning streak, and should realistically extend that to 13 if they get the choccies this weekend.
Looking ahead is a recipe for disaster in football, but upcoming games Bunyip, Kilcunda-Bass, Kooweerup, Garfield, Warragul Industrials and Dalyston should be within the Bulldogs grasp.
The Seagulls have been terrific in recent times, but it’s the Doggies by 13 points.
In other games, Kooweerup will roll Bunyip; Nar Nar Goon will do likewise Garfield, while Inverloch-Kongwak will be far too good for Korumburra-Bena at the Showgrounds.
And Kilcunda-Bass has no choice but to win at Dalyston; or it will kiss its finals hopes goodbye.
It’s the Panthers by 13 points.
