It may only be seen as a round 14 encounter, but for Barooga coach Luke Jarjoura and his outfit, Saturday’s clash will mean much more than that.
The Hawks hit the road to take on Finley in what is arguably the biggest game of the home and away season - outside of a clash against fierce rival Cobram.
Following the league-wide break, Barooga sits in seventh spot on the Murray Football League ladder while this weekend’s opponent sits one spot behind in eighth.
Finley and Barooga are tied on 28 points, the same as Congupna (fifth) and Cobram (sixth), and are both fighting for a spot in finals.
Callum Leighton-Daly and Lachlan Stephens have been standouts in recent weeks for the Hawks and will again be crucial on Saturday at Finley Recreation Reserve.
Speaking ahead of the bye and after the win over Tocumwal, Jarjoura highlighted how important this weekend’s clash is for his side.
“All eyes are on the next match against Finley,” he said.
“We are putting all of our chips pushed into the middle of the table for this game. We’re going all in.
“It looks like it will be Finley, Cobram and Congupna all fighting for the last few spots in the top six so this is like a final for us.”
Meanwhile, Cobram will be out to bounce back following a disappointing loss to Deniliquin in round 13.
The Tigers are back at Scott Oval for a home clash against Tongala.
It will be a must-win match for Tongala, with its finals chances slipping each week.
In the Picola District Football Netball League, local outfits will be back in action following the general bye.
Katamatite has a terrific opportunity to boost its percentage and gets back to winning ways with a home match against a struggling Blighty.
Strathmerton should be too strong for Rennie at home and Yarroweyah will take on Picola United.