The Eagles — with Goulburn Valley Bowls Division newbies Brent Reiner and Geoff Beattie settling in nicely — are just seven points outside the top four in division one weekend pennant.
As luck would have it the side faces fourth-placed Tatura-Hill Top in round 10, and skipper Daniel Nichols is more than hopeful of his teammates securing victory.
“We're very confident we'll be able to get the win against Tatura-Hill Top this week,” Nichols said.
“And then we have Shepp Park next round, so I think it's a good draw.”
Beattie's rink starred once again in a close loss to Shepparton Golf in round nine, and will continue to lead the way for the Eagles alongside coach Reiner, Nichols and Shane McIntosh.
“We're pretty happy with the way we performed against Shepp Golf,” Nichols said.
“We were leading at half-time and went down by 15, so we know where we're at.”
The Bulldogs had a runaway win over Euroa last round and will look to consolidate their position as a finals incumbent this weekend.
● Tallygaroopna will host a Kyabram outfit desperate for victory in round 10.
The Bombers need to claim at least one big scalp in the run home to taste finals action, and coach Dane Gade will be hoping the Redlegs are ready for a haircut.
Rob George continues to lead the way for Kyabram with six rink wins this season, while Greg Shilling has five.
For Tallygaroopna it is Mitch Sidebottom (six wins) standing tallest.
● Stanhope clashes with Shepparton Golf on Saturday and also needs a big performance to stay in the finals hunt.
An upset win over Kyabram last round has Stanhope just 17 points outside the top four, but the outfit plays each of the leading quartet over the next four rounds.
Shane Walsh has four rink wins this summer, while for the Golfers Brad Orr is undefeated and leads the skippers table from teammates David Daws and John Gribble.
● Euroa hosts Shepparton Park this round.
With hopes of remaining in the top division by their own volition dashed, the Magpies will be looking to disturb the pigeons of the other teams in the lead-up to knockout action.
Ken Sutcliffe has found form, while for the Parkers — who have dropped to third on the table — Denis Smyth continues to excel.
● Maurie Rowlands is the special guest on this week's episode of After The Jack, joining regular panelists Ash Williamson, Brian Nisbet and Tyler Maher.
As discussed on the show, hot weather is on the cards for this weekend and could scupper any chance of play if the forecast does not change.
More local sport
After The Jack - State title heading back to Shepparton
Gallery - Shepparton Gold Cup
Michel snares maiden victory on professional circuit
Sky-high performance crowns Sorraghan junior world champion
GVBD midweek pennant - round 10 wrap
21°C