WILL THERE BE ONE LAST TWIST THIS WEEKEND?
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Let's hope so, but if you were a betting person, you would say no, the five will be set.
In short, there's a number of possible scenarios with Myrtleford needing to topple Lavington to push its top three hopes.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Lavington belted the Saints by 61 points in round eight, but the latter has improved.
Myrtleford was beaten by only 19 points by the league's hottest team in Wangaratta a fortnight ago, and when you add an ex-AFL player in Kurt Aylett, the classy Tom Ellard and Doug Strang Medal favourite Lachie Dale, it improves the home club's hopes enormously.
However, Lavington has the minor premiership within sight and it simply can't slip up against the Saints, potentially allowing an Albury to jump ahead.
With one win separating the top four teams, it's never been more important to finish on top.
A second part of the equation involves Wangaratta Rovers toppling Wangaratta.
Basically, if Rovers lose, their brave fight from the wooden spoon to a top five finish is over.
Now the Hawks posted the biggest upset of the season in round eight against the Pies, so it is possible.
However, Wangaratta is a more settled side, although a common denominator is boom forward Michael Newton is out again.
Rain is forecast for Sunday's game and Rovers have had enough difficulties converting on fine days, so it will be an enormous challenge against the miserly Pies' defence.
Or could Wodonga Raiders blow Rovers' hopes by beating Albury?
IS COROWA-RUTHERGLEN-WODONGA'S BATTLE FOR THE WOODEN SPOON JUST ANOTHER GAME?
No chance.
In Australia, there is something about finishing last, nothing hurts like the spoon.
Both clubs naturally talk it down and that's fair enough, but it means everything to everyone.