By Gary Stocks

There comes a point for every club in every season when a must-win game presents itself.

For the O’Rourke Realty North Beach A-Grade combination that game has arrived – against Swan Athletic at Fawell Park. In fact, a whole string of those “must-wins” are fast arriving, but they must e dealt with one game at a time, in the true traditions of Australian football.

The Beach’s top five aspirations rest to some extent on the outcome of this match. Not just making the finals, but just how high up the ladder the club can progress.

After a heart-breaking loss to Mt Lawley last Saturday, dropping to a one-point defeat courtesy of an after-the-siren goal, the Beach faces a crucial game against bottom-of-the-table Swan Athletic.

While Athletic have won just one game, they are better than that record suggests and they will be tough to conquer, particularly on their home turf. While this is a desperate match for the Beach, in terms of shoring up finals aspirations, the opposition is keen to avoid relegation and know they must string together some matches at the back end of the year.

Currently North Beach is in fourth position, but holds the edge over fifth-placed West Coast and Mt Lawley purely on percentage, while University (third) now has a two-game cushion over the Tigers. To stay within sight of the top three and the double chance, the Beach can ill-afford to drop this game.

So the intensity is sure to be at high levels and the Beach will be hoping the return of key defender Tim Langsford, utility player Jordan Webster and Earl Quinlan will assist the cause.

While the A-Grade teams will be challenged by Swan Athletic, the D1-Grades will confront arch rivals Whitford at Percy Doyle Reserve.

The E2-Grade, who suffered a tough defeat at the hands of Willetton last week, will look to rebound against Coolbinia-West Perth at Coolbinia Reserve.

O’Rourke Realty A-Grade
Swan Athletic v North Beach, Fawell Park, 2.30pm
Credent Financial Services A-Reserves
Swan Athletic v North Beach, Fawell Park, 12.35pm
Coast to Coast Imports Phil Scott Colts
Swan Athletic v North Beach, Fawell Park, 10.40am
Cabling Network Solutions D1-Grade
North Beach v Whitford, Percy Doyle Oval, 2.30pm
Hybrid Linings D1-Reserves
North Beach v Whitford, Percy Doyle Oval, 12.35pm
Brett Jones Colts
North Beach v Whitford, Percy Doyle Oval, 10.40am
Express Bins E2-Grade
Coolbinia-West Perth v North Beach, Coolbinia Reserve, 2.30pm