OUYEN UNITED and Southern Mallee Giants are set for an even contest on Saturday, as the two sides lock horns in a match between third and fourth.
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Both sides are still a chance to make the top two, but Saturday's game looms as make or break.
With Sea Lake-Nandaly currently cruising - four games clear atop the table - the winner of Saturday’s Demons-Giants clash could take second spot alone if other results go their way.
For Ouyen United especially, a win is a must, as it looks to maintain the gap between it and the cellar-dwelling Roos.
The Demons had a stellar start to the season but injuries and absences have plagued them since.
Many changes have been forced upon them, which has led to a lack of consistency as the season has progressed.
Last week's bye will see injured stars Bradly Vallance and Laurence Angwin a chance to return, with both key to the Demons kicking a winning score.
Coach Andrew Jardine and Aron Morrish have been stoic in defence for the Ouyen side.
On the flipside, the Giants are in need of a lift in their defensive area, with Sam Weddel becoming a lone ranger at centre half-back.
If the Demons' two key forwards take their place, the Giants need a lift from all positions across the ground in order to restrict Ouyen United's supply.
With plenty on the line for both teams the match sets itself to be a great contest.
In the Mallee Football League's other match, a rejuvenated Walpeup-Underbool will host Woomelang-Lascelles at home.
After collecting their first win of the season a fortnight ago, the Roos were unlucky to not make it two on the bounce in round 12, beaten by the Giants at the death.
They will not be discounting finals yet though, as a rise in confidence propels them towards potential September action.
But given the Roos are still three games behind fourth place on the ladder, Saturday's clash looms as a must-win if they want to be a part of finals action.
Walpeup-Underbool knows exactly what it will get from the likes of Shane Birss, Ryan Anderson, Kane Munro and Luke Nathan.
But the recent improvement of Thomas Hedley, Joshua Coates and Richard Thomas has been the main catalyst for the club's resurgence.
The Cats on the other hand will be setting the home side a tough challenge, coming off a poor loss to Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers.
They gave up a 33-point half-time lead in the round-12 clash, and will hope to put in a more consistent, four-quarter effort.
Woomelang-Lascelles will hope to come out firing and produce another impressive first half, but the challenge will be to continue that form into the second half, and avoid another third-term slump.
The last time these two sides met the Roos outscored the Cats in the penultimate quarter, giving them a sniff at the final change.
The Cats' leaders in Trent Donnan and Jayden Longeran will do everything on Saturday to ensure the same situation does not arise.
Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers have a bye at the weekend, which will allow any sore bodies to rest and recuperate ahead of round 14.
They will be able to watch on with ease, knowing top spot is safe.
