Two games to halfway critical to finals hopes
The next two rounds starting on Saturday at Western Park against Sale could hold the keys to Warragul’s season.
The following week the Gulls travel to Bairnsdale to reach the midway point of the home and away rounds.
After heavy away losses to powerhouse sides Leongatha and Maffra in its past two games Warragul will need to regroup quickly to topple Sale that hasn’t lost since the opening round against Maffra.
Traralgon that is in the “five” after downing another of the top group, Moe, on Saturday will be at home to unbeaten Maffra in the match of the round.
The Maroons will be hoping to have a near full strength lineup available.
They’ll need it to stop the Maffra juggernaut that has stormed through the opening seven rounds unbeaten and with an average winning margin of 72 points.
Drouin and Morwell, sides with one win apiece, will do battle at Drouin.
Both should go into the match with some confidence – Drouin on the back of a couple of creditable although losing performances against top five sides Traralgon and Leongatha, Morwell after breaking through for its first win of the year last Saturday at Wonthaggi.
At home, Moe will be looking for a win to give it a bit of breathing space in the “five” when it takes on the disappointing Wonthaggi.
Power’s only win was in round four, against Traralgon, but it will meet a Moe side that looks a bit down on confidence and has a highest score of just 66 points in its past three games.
Wonthaggi has had even greater struggles in attack.
Its highest score for the season was the 70 points it scored in the win over Traralgon.
Bairnsdale has another tough test as it tries to stay in touch with the “five” – Leongatha at Leongatha.
Matches at grounds of first named clubs on Saturday:Warragul v. Sale. Drouin v. Morwell. Moe v. Wonthaggi. Leongatha v. Bairnsdale.
Traralgon v. Maffra.