Virtually every situation is still in play with two rounds remaining in the Goulburn Valley Playing Area Allan Matheson Shield.
The three-week round-robin to iron out the top two places concludes with a blockbuster affair as Kyabram (10-2) welcomes Tallygaroopna (10-2) to its greens.
One cannot overstate the implications of this meeting, with the winner at a massive advantage heading into the final weekend after Shepparton Golf (9-3) lost to both sides in the past fortnight.
Golf’s mini-tailspin has blown up what previously looked like an almost foregone conclusion for the minor premiership.
The side boasting talent like Brad Orr now finds itself in the unenviable — and highly unusual — position of playing catch-up. Dare we say perhaps even relying on results elsewhere.
In stark contrast, Kyabram and Tallygaroopna each stake prolific winning streaks on the line.
The Bombers have won their past eight to surge towards the summit, while Tallygaroopna has taken its past six meetings — most recently defeated by Kyabram itself in round five.
Tallygaroopna’s David Daws sees what’s on the line, not just now but come finals time.
“There’s bugger all separating first and third now and the next two games are important for everyone, but especially us,” Daws said.
“We’re just rolling through it and we’re backing ourselves against (Kyabram) every day of the week.
“We have to take them very seriously; we’ll give them our best showing and see how we go.
“It’ll (finals placings) be what it’ll be, but we’re not afraid to play anyone.”
Daws remains wary of Golf lurking below and urges caution despite its tough run of form.
“Regardless of whether (Golf) stays top two or drops to third, they’ll still be in contention,” Daws said.
“They’re still the team to beat, in my opinion.
“There are important games not just in the top three, but for Tatura-Hill Top playing Golf; this week will be a good test of where they stand.
“We’re backing our teammates 110 per cent and we’ll give everyone a hard knock.”
There is plenty else to look forward to on Saturday afternoon’s menu, with the meeting Daws alluded to between Golf and Tatura-Hill Top (7-5) in a clash of third and fourth.
Believe it or not, Tatura-Hill Top is still within mathematical distance of Golf’s third placing, albeit in ‘‘need a miracle’’ territory.
The more realistic goal, of course, is maintaining a grip on fourth as the Bulldogs continue their neck-and-neck race with Shepparton Park (7-5).
Park will travel to Mooroopna Bowls Club, where the Cats (2-10) will seek to spoil Park’s charge towards finals after it failed to rain on the Bulldogs’ parade last weekend.
Meanwhile, East Shepparton (0-12) has one remaining chance to avoid an early wooden spoon designation if it can notch a long-awaited victory away at Euroa (3-9).