A refreshed Orbost Snowy Rovers will return to the field this Saturday following the league-wide bye, embarking on a massive six-week block that will determine their 2026 finals fate.
The fourth-placed Blues are set to host premiership favourites and ladder leaders Boisdale Briagolong at Lochiel Park in a blockbuster clash that has been designated the WorkSafe Country Club Game of the Month.
Orbost currently holds the final spot in the top four, sitting four points and 34 per cent ahead of arch-rivals Lakes Entrance.
The run home will see the Blues tackle Boisdale Briagolong (home), Stratford (away), Lindenow (away), Wy Yung (home), Lakes Entrance (away) and Lucknow (away).
Meanwhile, the fifth-placed Seagulls will face Lindenow (home), Lucknow (away), Paynesville (home), Stratford (away), Orbost Snowy Rovers (home) and Wy Yung (away).
While there are many variables, if both teams defeat the sides below them and fall to the teams above them, the August 8 Lakeside Oval clash between Lakes and Orbost will act as a virtual elimination final.
However, the Blues’ formidable home-ground advantage at Lochiel Park could throw a spanner in the works against high-flying opponents like the Bombers and Tigers.
Since going down to Lakes Entrance in round eight, Orbost has turned its fortunes around with impressive, gritty victories over Lucknow and Paynesville.
Time will tell if they can match the daunting depth of a Bombers outfit boasting superstars across every line.
The mid-season additions of Byron Vickery and Max Welsh have added vital depth to the Blues’ rotations, with both players benefiting from a two-week training window and a rare Saturday off to fully integrate into the system.
They will face a full-strength challenge, with the Bombers expecting to welcome back a wealth of talent that missed their pre-bye victory over Lakes Entrance.
The high-stakes match will feature plenty of off-field action, with former AFL star turned mental health advocate Tom Boyd in attendance, alongside a representative from the Melbourne Vixens netball franchise.
