Kyabram is in one of these showdowns, taking the long road trip to the high country to tackle a resurgent Mansfield who also still have ambitions of playing finals.
But it will need to beat Kyabram to keep those hopes alive.
The Bombers belted the Eagles by 100 points when they met at Kyabram earlier in the season but that is not likely to happen again this Saturday.
And no doubt the Eagles will cast their minds back to last year when they became the first side to beat Kyabram at a similar stage of the season.
The Bombers of course went on to win the flag.
Mansfield has to win its last three games to be any chance of sneaking into the top six, so will be fired up for the clash.
But Kyabram is coming off an unexpected win over flag favourite Echuca two weeks ago, and if it extends that form into this week’s clash will be hard to toss.
The inclusion of star defender Brad Whitford and lively onballer Rueben Rode were significant factors in Kyabram’s shock win over Echuca, but it was a supreme team effort.
Utility Coby McCarthy and Kilsyth recruit Mick Ayton are expected to return this Saturday to further bolster the Bombers’ depth.
And if match winning key players Zac Norris, Kaine Herbert, Jack Russell, Aiden Robinson, Josh Dillon, Charlie Barnett and Rueben Rode produce top games again the Bombers will be hard to beat.
In other games on Saturday which could also have significance in the shaping of the final six, spiralling Shepparton Swans takes on Rochester, and the surprise packets of the season Mooroopna host an inform Euroa.
All these teams have finals aspirations.
