Orbost Snowy Rovers will host Stratford at Lochiel Park in round 15 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League.
It’s a must win game for the Blues, who still have a slim hope of playing in the 2024 finals series.
They will need to win their final three matches of the season, while building up their percentage and relying on Boisdale Briagolong to beat Stratford next week.
If Paynesville could beat Stratford in the final round, that would increase their chances tenfold, but even a competitive performance could be acceptable, reverting fourth spot to a percentage.
The Blues appreciate that their efforts look forlorn but that wont stop them giving a good account of themselves, as they strive to knock off a side above them on the ladder at home.
They have already succumbed to Boisdale Briagolong, Lucknow and Wy Yung.
A loss to Stratford would probably see them correctly placed in fifth place.
The Blues have been cruelled by injuries over the past month, the loss of key ruckman, We Russell, with a groin injury, at the top of the list.
Orbost will be hoping to welcome players like Russell, Tommy Smith, Henry Vine and Clancy Bennett but there are no guarantees, even with the games now do or die.
Stratford have had their own battles with injury and unavailability, but its fortunes have turned in the last few weeks, even having the luxury of axing veteran goal kicker, Rod O’Keefe, who responded by kicking 10 goals in the reserves.
Nick French and Jarrod Clohessy were huge inclusions last week for the Swans, who are still a realistic chance of claiming a double chance spot, which could be vital in a season where there isn’t a standout side.
We will learn plenty about both sides fate on Saturday.
