Lockington-Bamawm United and Colbinabbin are set to face off in a blockbuster clash this weekend with top spot in the Heathcote District Football League on the line.
The top spot Cats hold a two-point advantage over the Hoppers on the ladder, and a win at Lockington Recreation Reserve on Saturday afternoon would see them clinch the minor premiership with two rounds to play.
On the flip side, a Colbinabbin win would see the Hoppers jump above LBU into first, putting them in prime position to finish on top of the ladder.
With plenty on the line, LBU will enter the clash on the back of a good run of form.
The Cats have won seven games in a row and they have just one defeat this season – but that sole loss came against Colbinabbin back in round eight.
The Hoppers were far too good for the Cats on that day, winning by 47 points 12.9 (81) to 4.10 (34).
Speaking after the defeat back in May, Cats coach Brodie Collins said his side simply wasn’t good enough.
“We just weren’t up to it. The skills weren’t good enough, they are a good side and we just didn’t rock up,” Collins said.
“Our execution wasn’t good enough, plain and simple. It doesn’t matter what game plan you have if you can’t execute your skills.”
After LBU’s win against North Bendigo last week, Collins said their good run of form would count for nothing if they couldn’t beat Colbinabbin this Saturday.
“It means nothing if we don’t knock off Colbo. And we need to knock of Colbo to finish on top,” he said.
“That’s what our aim is, and we have to prove that we can actually take it to them and beat them.”
There will be another crucial game at Lockington on Saturday, the the Cats and Hoppers to face off in a key clash that could define the race for finals in the Heathcote District Netball League.
The Cats (5-9) currently hold the league’s fifth and final finals spot, and only percentage has them ahead of Leitchville-Gunbower and Huntly in sixth and seventh.
With two rounds left to play LBU’s destiny sits in its own hands, and it will be hoping for a win against fourth-placed Colbinabbin (7-7) to sure up their finals position.
Their fellow finals contenders Leitchville-Gunbower (5-9) will take on top side White Hills (13-1), while Huntly (5-9) will face off against second-place Elmore (13-1).