A race for top spot in Mininera and District Football League will gather pace this weekend as leading outfits attempt to consolidate strong starts to the season.

Early ladder leaders Woorndoo-Mortlake, Tatyoon and Great Western are all unbeaten three games into the season with each facing different tests on Saturday.

One of the biggest games of the weekend is a clash at Alexandra Oval in Ararat where Ararat Eagles will put Woorndoo-Mortlake’s form under the microscope.

The Eagles, sitting fifth, overwhelmed Hawkesdale-Macarthur to the tune of 100 points last week, while the Tigers maintained their spotless form with a 90-point victory against Lismore-Derrinallum.

Tatyoon meets old rival Wickliffe-Lake Bolac at Tatyoon after dispatching Penshurst by 45 points and Great Western, fresh from bowling over Wickliffe-Lake Bolac by 97 points, will attempt to flex its muscles against Hawkesdale-Macarthur.

Moyston-Willaura, sitting fourth, is also unbeaten, and after a 171-point mauling of Caramut turns its attention to SMW Rovers.

Fans will gain greater understanding this weekend if the 2021 season has two clearly defined tiers in standard or whether other challengers are lurking on the ladder.

Moyston-Willaura’s Zach Louder is generating plenty of discussion through the competition, his 20 goals so far representing an average of more than seven goals a game.

Great Western’s Damon Folkes is not far behind with 18 and six and Woorndoo-Mortlake’s Jordan Buckley 17 at 5.67.

Plenty of talk continues to surround the rise of Ararat Eagles, who with only a narrow loss against Great Western appear poised to have an arm-wrestle with their northwest neighbour throughout the season.

In other games this weekend, Caramut will play Penshurst and Lismore-Derrinallum takes on Glenthompson-Dunkeld. 

– Dean Lawson

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