HAWKESDALE-MACARTHUR must defeat Tatyoon today at Macarthur Recreation Reserve to maintain its proximity to the top five on the Mininera and District Football League premiership ladder.

Having been defeated at the hands of Penshurst last round, the Eagles get the chance to get back on the winners list against the Hawks, who are a far cry from their premiership winning form of last season.

Hawkesdale-Macarthur is a much better side than that which went down by 44 points to the Bombers last Saturday, and straighter kicking for goal (7.17) would have seen it win.

The Eagles have been handed a tough draw in the opening four rounds with games against the top three teams on the ladder, but the team has performed very well and proved it belongs in any discussion about possible premiership success.

“Last week there were plenty of positives against a quality team, and we showed that we can match it with the best team in the comp,” Hawkesdale-Macarthur coach, Xavier McCartney said.

“Everyone is available for selection this week, so it will be good to pick that team against the premiers from last year.”

Glenthompson-Dunkeld v Wickliffe-Lake Bolac

GLENTHOMPSON-DUNKELD will still be rueing its five-point loss to Ararat Eagles last round when it hosts second placed Wickliffe-Lake Bolac at Dunkeld Recreation Reserve today.

The loss opened an eight-point gap on the premiership ladder between the two teams, and the Rams may well rue the missed opportunities in the early season losses when finals time arrives.

A one-point loss to Lismore-Derrinallum and last week’s five-point loss to Ararat Eagles may prove costly, as the Rams look to finish as high on the ladder as possible.

Wickliffe-Lake Bolac is undefeated after four rounds and will go into the round five clash as favourite after downing Lismore-Derrinallum by five goals.

These teams are much closer in ability than the gap on the ladder indicates, but it’s a game the home side simply must win if it’s to maintain contact with the top five.

SMW Rovers v Penshurst

MININERA Recreation Reserve will host this lop-sided match-up with ladder-leading Penshurst travelling to play SMW Rovers, with the visitors expected to win comfortably.

The form of the Bombers is exceptional, as they have an average game score after the first four games of 156 to 32.

The Bulldogs scored their maiden win of the season last week against Caramut away from home, but hosting Penshurst will be a huge step up in class, as the visitors will run and carry the ball all day before delivering precise disposals by hand and foot.

Other games

MATCH of the round may well be the Lismore-Derrinallum versus Woorndoo-Mortlake game at Derrinallum Recreation Reserve, with the fourth-placed Demons hosting the third-placed Tigers, with only percentage separating the teams on the premiership ladder.

The home side has been a revelation this year after finishing ninth last season, while the visitors finished runner-up, and are up there again this year.

Central Park is the venue for the Great Western and Caramut game, where both teams will be desperate to gain the points on offer.

Neither has tasted success this season and the home ground advantage may just be enough for the Lions, but the Swans have improved from last season and are on the cusp of victory.

Ararat Eagles host Moyston-Willaura today at Alexandra Oval and the home side is firm favourites to continue its winning form against the Pumas, who are yet to open their account.