Crucial games on Saturday

Saturday’s Gippsland League round seven will be highly significant for several teams’ finals chances although only one-third through the home-and-away season.

Warragul, Bairnsdale, Moe and Traralgon - teams that sit from 4th to 7th on the ladder - all face crucial games.

Warragul, outside the “five” on percentage, has probably the severest test – an away game against the rampant and undefeated Maffra.

The Gulls will need close to its best side on the field to challenge the Eagles that have not been threatened in any match this year.

Moe, in the “five” with four wins from six games, host Traralgon (6th).

Traralgon remains something of a question and Moe despite some good performances still has work to do to really consolidate its position.

It seems the Lions will go into Saturday’s clash, and a few more, without their main forward Ash Dugan who injured a hamstring in the previous round.

They struggled against winless Moe but so did Traralgon against Drouin.

Bairnsdale is in the “five” on percentage but confronts a Sale side at Sale that has strung together five wins to sit in second place on the ladder.

After two away games Drouin returns to its home ground but has a big hurdle in front of it, defending premier Leongatha that has added a couple of impressive key forwards to its list in the past couple of weeks.

Wonthaggi will be looking for its second win of the year against Morwell that, although yet to post a victory, is showing signs that one isn’t too far away.

Matches on Saturday at grounds of first named clubs are:Drouin v. Leongatha. Maffra v. Warragul. Sale v. Bairnsdale. Wonthaggi v. Morwell. Moe v. Traralgon.