There is not much between the top teams in the fourth-grade competition, which includes several one-team clubs such as the Goulburn Swans and Yass Roos.

The Swans are the only team so far this season to win against the Yass Roos, and that was two weeks ago in Goulburn.

Googong Hogs, who the Swans play tonight, Friday, July 27 at Rockley Oval, have won their last three games in a row. The Hogs are among the teams showing strong improvement throughout the competition.

With a six win and six loss record, the Googongians, in sixth position, are not out of contention for a finals spot with six rounds to go.

The Swans, fourth, have an eight win, four loss record and are in fourth position, trailing the Southern Cats, third, on points only. 

Yass, who are leading the competition, play Woden, who sit in second spot on Saturday at Greenway Oval in the Capital.

Woden have dropped only three games this season, including one to the Goulburn Swans last week,one to the ADFA Rams in June, and one to Yass in May.

The Swans, like the Roos have made a few changes to their back line because of injuries, but there is a fair bit of depth in both clubs. 

Their younger players have been relishing the opportunities they have been given.

One of the Swans’ previously retired players, Steve Dawson, has come back into the team, adding his experience to the side. 

Goulburn is hoping that Brett Garrett, who came across from Wagga Wagga at the start of the season, will be back from injury for the final couple of games before the finals.

Coach Matt Lee said the game on Friday night was important as they looked for a top three spot and a home semi final.

“This will be a tough game,” Lee said. “Googong is coming off a good win over ANU, who beat them early in the season.

“ANU, placed fifth on the ladder, went down to Googong 12.6-78 to 6.6-42, narrowing the gap between these two sides, who are both still in finals contention.

“We have a pretty good run home apart from a game on Friday night, then the following Saturday against the Southern Cats in Goulburn.”