The top five has been decided two weeks out from the finals series with the biggest improvers, Glengarry and Boisdale, set to feature at the expense of seasoned finalists Rosedale and Cowwarr.

After wins against Boisdale and Glengarry in their past three matches, Gormandale is now three wins and a big percentage clear of the pack.

The Tigers wrapped up the minor premiership several weeks ago and will be out to avenge their round eight loss to Heyfield.

Heyfield is fifth, a game shy of the double chance.

The Kangaroos have sent a clear message to the remainder of the competition that they should not be written off from the finals race.

The Roos came from four goals down and scored a gutsy win at the weekend against fellow final five side Boisdale.

But the Roos' premiership defence suffered a huge blow with the loss of powerhouse ruckman Andrew Stevens and dogged defender Aaron Duffy during their spirited second half revival.

The pair of club stalwarts share six premiership medallions between them and Stevens won the club best and fairest award the past two seasons.

The Roos will look to a number of key players to step up to the challenge, including forward Lyell Berry.

Heyfield will be hoping Berry can repeat last week's heroics and kick another four goals.

Brothers Mitch and Nathan Dowse have been solid contributors claiming best on ground honours in the side's last meeting.

They are likely to run the Tigers' engine room off their feet, with Jordon McDonald and Luke Conway also set to trouble the competition's premier midfield.

Brett Gallatly in defence and experienced campaigner Nathan Wellins are likely to be prominent for the Roos.

Cougars to secure double chance

CHURCHILL increased its chances of a top three finish and the important double chance after a percentage boosting victory against Stratford and should be too strong for bottom of the ladder Woodside.

The Cougars defeated the Wildcats by 87 points in round eight, led by Nathan and Leigh McDonald in front of goals.

The Cougars are aiming to cement the double chance and will continue their damaging form.

Battle of the Bombers

BOISDALE is flying towards its first finals appearance since joining the North Gippsland league and will meet TTU.

TTU has had the wood on Boisdale in past seasons.

Boisdale claimed the points earlier this season with a 12 goal win by kicking 13 goals to one after half time.

Boisdale has met three of the top sides in recent weeks and came away from the tough clashes with a win and two losses.

While a finals berth is guaranteed, Boisdale sits level with Glengarry and Churchill and its percentage is 38 points less than the Magpies'.

Saints try to repeat upset

COWWARR will try to repeat its early season win against Glengarry.

The Saints were forced to make seven changes last weekend and struggled to match it with Gormandale.

They were without vice captain Luke Cooper, defender Matt Cameron and youngsters Chris Stasinowsky, Josh Pilgrim and Mark Bedggood.

There have been plenty of positive signs for Saints supporters this season.

Defender Kevin Hood, Shane Morgan in the centre and Tim Johnston up forward have shown the way this year for Cowwarr.

The trio, along with Steve, Lee and Luke Cooper, leading goal kicker Stasinowsky, Craig Radford and Robbie Ferguson, have all featured prominently throughout the season.

The Saints upset Glengarry by 22 points last time they played.

The Magpies will sit next week out with the bye and will aim to mark their last game of the home and away season with a victory, honouring club captain Anthony McMahon in his 200th club game.

There's always next year

STRATFORD registered its only win of the season against Sale City and will be aiming to replicate the feat against the Bulldogs this weekend.

The Swans fielded one of their best sides and ran away with a 44 point win aided by a bag of nine goals from full forward Tim Light in his last game for Stratford.

A win would boost both sides' confidence as they look to next year.