State of play: 2nd, 10-1 (260.60%)

Border Mail pre-season prediction: 2nd

Season so far: The Brookers appear the only side capable of pushing Osborne. They are quick, well drilled and had the double chance sewn up by the halfway stage of the season. Brad Carman's return has given Holbrook another layer in defence while Coby Ross, Corey McCarthy and Ewan Mackinlay provide raw pace.

Best and fairest favourites: Will Holmes, Coby Ross

FInd of the season: Former Culcairn player Hayden Smith has been a revelation in defence, holding players like Henty's Shannon Terlich.

What lies ahead: Former Albury premiership star John Mitchell has played four matches and will only get better. Luke Gestier is also in ominous form. Lachie Holmes (foot) remains sidelined and is racing against time to recover in time for finals.

FInal word: For the sake of the competition, let's hope Holbrook has another gear.

Rating: A

State of Play: 4th, 7-4 (156.79%)

Border Mail pre-season prediction: 3rd

Season so far: Looked dead ducks rather than spritely Saints after five rounds with a 1-4 win-loss record. But with injured coach Kade Stevens watching from the sidelines the 2019 grand finalist has produced an impressive turnaround based heavily on the return of Azzi medallist Nico Sedgwick from Lavington. Brock-Burrum has genuine top-end quality in Sedgwick, Matt Seiter, Darcy I'Anson and Damian Cupido and they will need to stay fit to go deep into September.

Best and fairest favourite: Matt Seiter

FInd of the season: Young forward Keith Tallent has been a huge find with 19 goals in 10 matches.

What lies ahead: Osborne, Holbrook and Rand-Walbundrie-Walla is as tough as it gets.

FInal word: Cupido and Sedgwick are as lethal as it gets playing out of the goal square.

Rating: B minus

ALSO IN SPORT:

State of play: 7th, 6-5 (85.12%)

Border Mail pre-season prediction: 10th

Season so far: The Demons are starting to stagger and desperately need to return to the winning list next weekend or their season could be gone. Have only won one match since May 15 with Jordan Harrington, Andrew Emery and Jake Phillips desperately needing support. Zac Sheather's return before the clearance deadline could be a godsend particularly with most sides short in the big-man department. Lockart's best is very good with Osborne coach Joel Mackie rating the Demons as the best side his team had faced.

Best and fairest favourite: Jordan Harrington

FInd of the season: Irishman Michael Cohalan has locked down on some of the league's premier forwards.

What lies ahead: Four home matches in the run home can only help.

FInal word: Living on the edge but more than capable of sneaking into the six

Rating: B

State of play: 11th, 2-9 (60.10)

Border Mail pre-season prediction: 7th

Season so far: The Crows were competitive early but have fallen away sharply on the back of injuries and unavailability. Coach Jason Kerr has used 44 players this season, four more than Jindera and Murray Magpies. Zac Kerr and Al Austin have been typically stoic in defence, Dylan Flanagan has been handy and Justin Evans dangerous in attack when free of injury. Have sorely missed Nick Brockley up forward.

Best and fairest favourite: Nick Morris

FInd of the season: Zak Satore

What lies ahead: The Crows have a nightmare run home against Holbrook, Howlong, Osborne, Brock-Burrum, Rand-Walbundrie-Walla, Henty and Murray Magpies.

FInal word: Hopefully the week-off has given the Crows time to regroup.

Rating: D

State of play: 12th, 0-11 (35.14)

Border Mail pre-season prediction: 12th

Season so far: It's back to square one for the Magpies. After showing promising signs in the opening rounds of the season, the club has been decimated by injuries in recent weeks with the wheels falling off in spectacular fashion against Osborne. It's no secret Brett Argus needs a major injection of top-end talent into Urana Road Oval but that's easier said than done. There is little doubt the Magpies have improved however after they finished with a percentage of 13.95 in 2019.

Best and fairest favourite: Hayden Edwards, Spencer Jones

FInd of the season: Spencer Jones

What lies ahead: If the Magpies return to near full strength, the door could open for their first win since 2018 as they play all the bottom teams in the final seven rounds.

FInal word: There is no doubting Argus's enthusiasm and commitment but nothing beats a win for club spirit.

Rating: C minus

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