Wangaratta is third on the table - just one win behind top-placed Boomers - heading into Sunday’s season-defining match with second-placed Albury City.

“I think we’re only at 70 per cent at the minute and we’ve still got Elliot (Jones) to come back in,” Antonello said.

“(But) I don’t think any team can afford to lose.”

In a close title race, there’s just six points from first to fifth.

In a mouth-watering clash in Wangaratta on Sunday, the Red Devils and Albury City are both level on 39 points, and a loss would seriously hurt their claims for the title.

Wangaratta, which recorded a crucial 2-0 win at Albury United last week, could promote playmaker Elliot Jones from the reserves, for a game it expects to win.

“They’ve (City) had a pretty good run in the first half of the year,” Antonello said.

“They’re obviously pretty young and pretty quick and they’re sitting second.

“Paddy Brown is obviously their main avenue to goal, but our strong point has been our defence.”

It’s the opposite at City, which has scored a whopping 55 goals – equal best in the league with Myrtleford.

“The issue with us isn’t about scoring goals, it’s about stopping them up the other end,” City coach Matt Maw said.

“They’ve got Burchell, but we’ve got Paddy, but we’ve had quite a few chipping in with goals.”

Wangaratta won the corresponding fixture 4-1 in round six, with Adam Burchell scoring a brace.

“Burchall tore us to bits in the first round and containing him will be a key to the game,” Maw said.

“We’ll have to watch Ivo (Madeira), their assistant coach, and Elliot (Jones) in the middle, depending on if they play him.

“I think Wangaratta is the team to beat.”

City is hoping midfielder Tristan Ivanku will prove his fitness for the match.

Another contender for the crown is Myrtleford.

Striker Dan Kelly, utility Nick Murphy and former coach Michael Sacco are still to return to the line-up, while veteran winger Matt Vaccaro recently returned to the club.

Vaccaro found the back of the net last game in the 10-1 thrashing of Wodonga Diamonds.

English striker Kelly played reserves last week and is in contention to return against Hotspurs on Sunday, while utility Murphy, who’s been playing defensive midfield, is currently overseas but returns in the coming weeks.

Sacco has returned to the club and could start against Spurs.

Myrtleford is fifth on the table - six points behind league leader Boomers FC - and can’t afford any slip-ups if it wants to win that elusive championship.

“I still reckon the championship’s up for grabs,” coach Joey Artavilla said.

“Anyone can win it from the top five.

“I still reckon it will come down to the last week.”

Myrtleford has Hotspurs, Boomers, Albury City, Wangaratta and Melrose in the run home.