With just four weeks remaining in the home-and-away season, Murray Football League action is working towards its crescendo, with many of its round 15 clashes set to have major finals implications.
The headline act this weekend is a pivotal top four battle between Tongala and Moama at Tongala Recreation Reserve, with a spot in the top two serving as the potential prize.
Sitting on 11 wins apiece, just 12 per cent separates the Blues and Magpies on the ladder, with both teams coming into this clash in scintillating form.
Moama will be looking to add another top contender to its list of scalps, having bested both Mulwala and Cobram over the past fortnight.
The Blues have regained their mojo after a mid-season slump, winning their last four games to rise back up into second spot.
Another major test for his team, Moama coach Sam Sheldon said he was confident the boys would be up to the challenge.
“It is just another big game for us after a few big weeks leading up and hopefully we can pick up another big scalp,” Sheldon said.
“As a group we are pretty confident in what we can do, the challenge will just be rocking up and producing it from the start.
“Our last two wins (against Mulwala and Cobram) give us a bit of confidence and the boys understand how to win now.
“But we know Tonny will be a bit of a different story and they’ll be the side to beat — so it should be interesting on their home deck.”
The second meeting between the two sides this season, the Blues were far too good back in round six, travelling to Moama and defeating the Magpies by 33 points.
Sheldon said his team was desperate to put in a better showing this time around and was more aware of Tongala’s strengths.
“They have got smart defenders and good midfielders, so if we can take care of them that will go a long way to winning the game, they are also good at getting the game on their terms so we will be trying not to make that happen” he said.
“I think it will be a different game this week (compared to round six), we’ve improved out of sight since then and are playing together more as a team.
“It definitely helps that we’ve seen them already this year and we come into the game confident we can go over there and win.”
In terms of team news, Sheldon expects the Magpies to sport a relatively settled lineup, while Tongala will be looking to continue its momentum with its current assortment of players.
Around the grounds, Nathalia will be looking to bounce back from its disappointing loss to Mulwala last week as it welcomes the seventh-placed Numurkah.
Deniliquin Rams will be sensing an opportunity to return to the winners’ list after three straight losses, as Rumbalara makes the trip into New South Wales.
A spot in the top two could be up for grabs for Mulwala as it faces Barooga on its Lonsdale Oval home deck.
Cobram will be searching for a much-needed victory as Echuca United comes to town.
Meanwhile, a red hot Congupna rounds out the weekend’s action with a road trip to Finley to face the Cats.