The Woods have been the big story over the first four rounds with their undefeated start that has them 13 points clear at the top of the ladder.

However, two massive challenges await the Woods, starting Saturday when they travel to play reigning premier Bendigo East – an opponent they haven’t beaten for a decade – before backing up next week against Bendigo.

Expect the Beasties to come out breathing fire on Saturday after they were embarrassed by Castlemaine in a 43-shot loss last week in what was their biggest defeat for 13 seasons.

In other round five games, a re-shuffled Eaglehawk line-up will be desperate to kickstart its season at home against Castlemaine.

The Hawks have just one win, while Castlemaine’s strong recruiting has paid early dividends, with the Maine having won three of its first four matches in what’s been its best start to a season for four years.

Only once has South Bendigo won back-to-back games since rejoining division one in the 2013-14 season.

But two in a row beckons for South, which after last week defeating Kangaroo Flat for its first victory will take on bottom side Golden Square, which is now the only winless team.

And Bendigo should improve to 4-1 when it plays away against Kangaroo Flat – an opponent it has won its past eight games against.

Predictions: Bendigo East by 12, Eaglehawk by 7, South Bendigo by 15, Bendigo by 22.