Melrose and Boomers find themselves in similar positions with six weeks to play before finals – sitting in the middle of the table and lacking goals.
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Both have been left bemused over the past month after dominating games without getting the results.
Melrose coach Kade Rixon admitted it has been a frustrating year.
“I’d be more disappointed if we’re not creating chances, but it’s now getting to the point where we’re creating so many chances and still not scoring and there’s probably a bit more to it,” Rixon said.
“I’m going to have to put a challenge out to the boys, especially the front four, to turn something around for us because defensively the boys have been superb.
“It feels like we’re shooting a square ball at a circle goal at the moment, but hopefully we pull it together.”
After some strong defensive efforts, Melrose leaked four goals to Cobram last weekend, but were without star recruit Ben Chaffey.
Melrose is expected to have its star centre back available for three more games as well as finals.
Boomers’ assistant coach Steve Hayes said it's the same story at Glen Park.
“Last week we restricted Wangaratta to three chances and they scored two goals,” Hayes said.
“(Adam) Burchell is in a purple patch of form and you give him half an opportunity and he puts it in the back of the net.
“That’s the difference between the sides at the top and sides that are mid-range, they’ve got people that can find the back of the net when it’s necessary.”
The clash will double as a White Ribbon event, with Melrose’s senior men and women to wear special jerseys to raise awareness around domestic violence.
Wangaratta hosts Myrtleford, Wodonga Diamonds clash with Albury United, Albury City faces Twin City, Cobram meets Albury Hotspurs, while St Pats take on Wodonga Heart.