The Thunder has developed a somewhat surprising surge for the finals since the transfer period and sit one spot outside in sixth.

It has recorded three-straight wins after a shocking start to the season.

New recruits Geoff Kellaway and Jamie Reed have both impressed since joining the club.

South Melbourne has a game in hand but is struggling to keep pace with the rest of the competition after a disappointing 2-0 loss at Green Gully last weekend.

Midfielder Daniel Vasilevski could earn a recall to the starting line up after being used as a substitute against the Cavaliers.

Star Fernando De Moraes has found the net nine times while lone front man Gianni De Nittis has scored five times, four of which came in one game.

His place has come under more pressure since the signing of Hamid Basma from Heidelberg United.

ALTONA Magic hosts Green Gully in another vital encounter on Saturday night.

Magic has been playing an open game in recent weeks, but after a 7-5 loss at Northcote last week, may look to close the gaps in defence.

There has been plenty of goals for the Magic since midseason, with Koce Delev (five goals) and Goran Talevski (three) the main contributors.

Green Gully recorded a much-needed win to move into the top five last week.

Recruit Jason Hayne had an impact after coming on late, fouled for his side's penalty and scoring his first goal for the club.

They looked more patient going forward against South and have a number of possible options they can use up front, from Gary Wales, Mathew Sanders and Brent Fisher, who each provide a different approach.

HEIDELBERG United will travel to Oakleigh in what is building as a blockbuster encounter.

United is ninth and Oakleigh second, but the Bergers have found a run of form since an early season struggle.

The form of striker Saso Alexovski has been a key in their resurgence, able to score and set up play in the attacking third.

The Cannons have gone the other way, losing their last two outings after a great start.

They have only won three of seven at home and will need a turnaround in form to keep the gap between the top two and the rest open.

HUME City will return to Knights Stadium for the second week in a row, this time to take on Sunshine George Cross.

It was a horror outing last week, losing 2-1 to the Knights after being reduced to eight men.

Its winless run stands at five and a drought-breaking win is much needed against a struggling Georgies outfit.

The Georgies have slipped into the relegation zone courtesy of a shocking goal difference.

It too needs a win if it is to remain in the fight for a spot in the top flight.

RICHMOND will host the Melbourne Knights on Friday night, with the two coming off surprise results last week.

The top of the table Eagles were handed a 3-0 thumping by lowly Heidelberg while the Knights beat third-placed Hume 2-1.

The Eagles don't often fail to find the net and will be looking for goals from their impressive array of attacking talent.

The Knights moved out of relegation and need another win to remain outside.

Kevin Townson has been the star with 10 goals, including a brace of penalties last week.

NORTHCOTE City will travel to Bentleigh in a clash between the impressive two promoted clubs.

Both City and the Greens have surprised this season, sitting in fourth and seventh respectively.