The third-placed side plays second-placed Koroit Blue and ladder-leader City Memorial Red in consecutive weeks as the battle for a double chance heats up in the final month of the home-and -away season.

Just five points separates the three sides with Port Fairy Red, which plays City Memorial Red today, 34 points further adrift in fourth.

Warrnambool Gold skipper Peter Pangrazio said his side — the competition’s reigning premier — relished the chance to test itself against two quality outfits as it prepares for another finals series.

“It is good we play both sides above us so we determine our fate as to where we end up on the ladder at the end of the year,” he said. 

“We drew with Koroit on their home turf when we played them and we’re obviously playing at home this week and I’d like to think we’d have an advantage playing them at home.

“City Red gave us a bit of a beating last time and we play them the week after Koroit at home as well.

“It’s the same deal — we might have a bit of an advantage playing them at home.

“We will definitely know where we’re at after those two games.”

Pangrazio rated Koroit Blue, which slipped from top spot last round, a genuine premiership contender.

“They have had an influx of a couple of experienced players and that in turn has pushed people in the side to where they should be instead of playing out of position and that’s why they have improved as well,” he said.

“We have had a few changes here and there (too). The selectors have tried out a few new players.

“A number of people have had a run in the top side this year and that is a good thing.

“So there are lots of positions up for grabs in our side, really.”

Pangrazio said while some players liked to play each week of the finals campaign, his aim was to help Warrnambool Gold earn a direct passage to the decider.

“It would be nice to finish top two and win the second semi-final and go straight into the grand final and watch the others battle it out (for a spot),” he said.

“But I think this year is quite open and anyone is a good chance. As far as competition goes, it’s the tightest competition we have had in 15 years.”

In other round 15 games, fifth-placed City Memorial Gold, sitting 15 points adrift of fourth spot, can push for a points-building win against bottom-placed Lawn Tennis Red.

Sixth-placed Terang Green hosts a Mortlake Blue team coming off a humbling 123-shot belting, Warrnambool White and Dennington Red battle for pride, as do Timboon Gold and Warrnambool Blue.