By: Lachlan SHIRLEY

AS THE Geelong Region Men’s Division 1 season approaches its conclusion, Barwon has one last fighting chance to be in contention for a top four finish as they take on Corio at Hume Reserve on Friday night in the pick of Round 17 action.

Four point separates the two teams with just two games to go. Corio was victorious 1-0 in the catch up round fixture last week between the two sides.

If Corio win this weekend’s match, it will cement its position in the Top Four. If Barwon is victorious, however, just one point will separate the two sides going into the final round of the season.

Corio will play Deakin Ducks in the final fixture of the season, while Barwon has a tougher opponent in Geelong Rangers.

At Shell Road Reserve in Ocean Grove, third placed Surfside Waves are set to take on the second placed Surf Coast on Friday night.

The two teams have both accumulated 31 points apiece. A win for either team will see them cement a spot in the Top Four, heading into the last round of the season.

At Lara Recreation Reserve on Sunday afternoon, the visiting Deakin Ducks will take on Lara United in the ‘Ring Road Derby’.

Neither team has anything at stake, as they are both unable to secure a Top Four finish and both sit ‘comfortably’ in 6^th & 7^th place respectively.

Last time the two teams met, which was way back in Round 8, the Ducks won easily with a 5-2 scoreline.

If Lara was to be victorious on Sunday, they would move above Deakin who are currently only three points ahead and have an inferior goal difference than Lara.

Across town at the White Eagle House, the bottom two teams will square off against each other in the battle for the ‘Wooden Spoon’.

Bottom side Breakwater Eagles will be keen to record only its second win of the season and overtake second last placed Barwon Heads.

The Eagles can move above the Hammerheads if they are able to win the match, as they have a far better goal difference despite occupying bottom spot. If Barwon Heads wins the game, Breakwater will finish the season at the rock bottom of the table.

To complete Round 17, the Division 1 league champions Geelong Rangers will host Drysdale at Myers Reserve in Bell Post Hill.

The result of the game will not affect Rangers, who have already won the league. If Drysdale take the three points, however, they could potentially overtake Lara United on the league table, should Lara lose its game with Deakin.

Lachlan Shirley is a young SEDA student, currently doing work experience with FFV Geelong. He will be compiling regular weekly reports on the Geelong Region Men’s and Women’s Division 1 competitions.