The Demons have won the last two and courtesy of some slip-ups by contenders Morwell East and Yarragon, they are now back in the top five.

They are in a much better position than three weeks ago when they fell to eighth position with a poor percentage after four consecutive losses.

If the Demons can keep their season on track they are likely to fight it out with Morwell East, Yarragon, Yallourn/Yallourn North and possibly Newborough, for a position in the final five.

Boolarra has the toughest run ahead of all the contenders, with matches against Trafalgar and Yinnar in the last two rounds.

They will need to at least push Morwell East to be considered a genuine threat.

The Hawks were unlucky not to get closer to Trafalgar last weekend with poor kicking in the second half letting them down.

In round four Morwell East thrashed Boolarra by 63 points but with both clubs now jostling for a finals spot, the margin will be much closer.

Traf put to the test

THIRD placed Mirboo North has its best chance to rattle one of the top two sides this weekend.

Mirboo North hosts Trafalgar, which is coming off an unconvincing victory against the Hawks.

The Tigers had their biggest win with their highest score last weekend against Yarragon and are expected to field a full-strength side for the Traf match.

They have won five of the last six games and will enjoy a good run home which should allow them to finish third and earn the double chance.

The Tigers' miserly defence is among the best in the league but it will come up against a potent forward line which averages 16 goals a week.

Trafalgar has won the last five matches but this will be a big test.

Must-win match for Panthers, Bulldogs

NEWBOROUGH will be out to avenge its round four loss to Yarragon when the Panthers ended a decade long losing streak against the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs will need to win to remain a chance to make the finals and they face an injury depleted Yarragon side.

The Panthers' season is starting to look shaky with two huge losses to Morwell East and Mirboo North in the last fortnight.

The run does not get easier with Yinnar and Trafalgar in the weeks ahead.

A win to the Panthers would steady the ship but Newborough at home will be too strong.

Magpies in brilliant form

YINNAR will be wary of Thorpdale after the Blues pushed the Magpies last time they played.

If Thorpdale can produce a four quarter effort similar to its first term against Yallourn/Yallourn North last weekend it will get close to Yinnar again.

But the Magpies are in brilliant form and should easily continue on their winning way.

Thorpdale will be without key forward Sam Riseley for a week after he was found guilty of tripping Monday night.

Hillmen hungry for second win

HILL End may have to wait another week to notch up its second win of the season.

The Hillmen play host to Yallourn/Yallourn North this weekend and travel to Thorpdale the following week.

The Bombers are coming off their best win of the season and if their forward line fires again they will record a big win.