Not since 2014 has Maryborough won more than one game in a season.

Having beaten Castlemaine three rounds ago, the Magpies get a genuine crack at their second victory when they host fellow battler Kangaroo Flat, which has lost seven in a row.

Considering it’s at home and the Magpies are performing better than the Roos both offensively and defensively, this is a rare game where Maryborough – which has just two wins in its past 68 games –  deserves the tag as favourites.

Last time: Kangaroo Flat 12.12 (84) d Maryborough 10.2 (62).

Since 1995: Kangaroo Flat 25; Maryborough 24.

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The Bloods make the trip to Castlemaine where they should make it two in a row on the back of last week’s victory over Maryborough, set up by a strong start, which has been one of their Achilles Heels this season having spent much of it playing catch-up footy.

The Magpies’ disastrous season hit another low last, kicking just one goal in a 206-point belting from Golden Square, with the side now averaging a mere 39 points per game.

To give that some perspective, they are well on track to surpass Sandhurst of 2008 (44 points per game) as the competition’s lowest scoring team since 1978.

Last time: South Bendigo 11.21 (87) d Castlemaine 3.8 (26).

Since 1995: South Bendigo 33; Castlemaine 16.

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Huge game between traditional rivals who are both among the logjam of three teams separated by just two points from second to fourth.

The Hawks have lost two of their past three games, which has put their top three position under pressure, while the Bulldogs have the momentum of four wins in a row behind them – the past two by a combined 315 points against Maryborough and Castlemaine.

Clearly the challenge is far greater this week for the Bulldogs, particularly at Canterbury Park where the Hawks are a tough nut to crack.

Last time: Eaglehawk 9.16 (70) d Golden Square 8.3 (51).

Since 1995: Golden Square 34; Eaglehawk 22.

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The Tigers and Bulldogs are two of the league’s most heated rivals, yet rarely have they crossed paths when both clubs have been performing well.

But that’s not the case this weekend, with both teams currently boasting winning records – the Tigers are 8-3-1 and the Bulldogs 7-5, which includes winning six of their past seven games.

Given a Tigers’ victory will move them back into the top three or a Bulldogs win could elevate them back into the top five, expect a fierce contest where the stakes on the field finally match the rivalry off it.

Last time: Kyneton 17.6 (108) def Gisborne 12.9 (81).

Head to Head: Gisborne 26; Kyneton 9.

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The Storm have battled injury concerns throughout the season, but testament to their depth and capacity for inclusions to come in and play their role, they are two games clear in top spot, with their winning streak now at 11 after seeing off another challenger last week in Kyneton by 23 points.

Next up is a trip to the QEO to take on the Dragons, who against sides currently in the top five – games such as Saturday in which they are ultimately judged on – are 0-5.

Last time: Strathfieldsaye 14.13 (97) d Sandhurst 12.6 (78).

Head to Head: Strathfieldsaye 14; Sandhurst 9.

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Barring the Bloods pulling off an upset, by 5pm Saturday the Cats’ return to the finals for the first time since 2014 should be guaranteed.

At 0-13 the season continues to be a tough slog for the young Bloods, who are one of 24 teams across AFL Victoria Country leagues still to post a win in 2018.

Last time: LBU 17.21 (123) d Elmore 10.12 (72).

Head to Head: LBU 26; Elmore 16.

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This may well prove the game that will ultimately decide which of these two teams will finish top three and earn the double chance.

The Hawks have the advantage of playing on their home ground, but they have run into injury concerns to key players such as Rhett Sutton, Jacob Greenwood, Chris Gleeson and Braidy Dickens in recent weeks that will test them, particularly against a quality outfit in Colbinabbin.

Last time: Huntly 13.13 (91) d Colbinabbin 9.13 (67).

Since 1995: Colbinabbin 34; Huntly 16.

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After last week’s win over Elmore the Demons have a shot at making it two in a row, but it won’t come easy against the Saints, who won one of their three games for the year against White Hills by 43 points in round six.

Last time: Heathcote 14.20 (104) d White Hills 9.7 (61).

Since 1995: Heathcote 28; White Hills 22.

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The major discrepancy in first and second halves would be a frustration for Blues coach Darren Walsh.

Overall since round 10 the Blues are +11 in first half scoring (217-206) and -145 in the second (174-319), with that trend evident last week when a 16-point lead at half-time against Colbinabbin became a 77-point loss.

The Bombers have the incentive of returning to the top of the ladder with a win.

Last time: Leitchville-Gunbower 19.18 (132) d Mount Pleasant 9.5 (59).

Head to Head: Leitchville-Gunbower 13; Mount Pleasant 4.

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Twice in the past three weeks against Pyramid Hill and Calivil United the Superoos have had more scoring shots than their opposition, but been beaten due to inaccuracy, which has plagued them all season.

Another off-target day in front of goal won’t cut it against the ladder-leading Maroons, who have become more ominous in recent weeks with the return of key forward Rhys Ford, who has back-to-back bags of seven goals.

Last time: Newbridge 13.4 (82) d Mitiamo 5.12 (42).

Since 1995: Newbridge 26; Mitiamo 24.

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The Mean Machine’s finals pulse is still beating, and as they proved last week against Calivil United, perhaps the situation where they have little room for error may bring out the best in them on the run home.

As for the Eagles, they have the chance to build a three-game buffer inside the top three with a victory – something they haven’t done twice in a season against Bridgewater since 2006.

Last time: Maiden Gully YCW 13.19 (97) d Bridgewater 12.4 (76).

Since 1995: Maiden Gully YCW 23; Bridgewater 23; Drawn 1.

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The Bulldogs have steadied their season with two wins in a row that has them back in the top three with an 8-4 record – albeit with a percentage of less than 100 (97.0).

That momentum should continue at home against the Blues, who have strung together competitive patches in recent weeks, but not for long enough.

Last time: Pyramid Hill 10.17 (77) d Inglewood 3.6 (24).

Since 1995: Pyramid Hill 36; Inglewood 11.

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Five losses in a row for the Panthers ahead of their trip to take on the Bears, who in what has been a season of one step forward, one step back, can potentially force their way back into the top five with a victory.

Last time: Marong 14.10 (94) d BL-Serpentine 10.16 (76).

Since 1995: BL-Serpentine 27; Marong 21.