Georgie could only manage a draw against Frankston Pines in Round 23 whilst Green Gully continued their good form with a 2-0 win over the Melbourne Knights.

The first derby for 2006 ended in a 2-2 draw. Georgie fans thought they would finally celebrate a victory over their arch rivals after racing to a 2-0 lead in the first half. Gully struck back though with two goals of their own for a share of the points.

Last season's champions struggled for many weeks this season to the surprise of many Victorian football fans, and it took the return of championship winning coach Ian Dobson to turn their season around. Dobson has guided the club out of relegation danger and has lifted his side in to the top six.

This is a crucial game for both clubs. Gully need the points to cement their place in the top six and Georgie are desperate for points in their fight for survival.

In other games: Friday night: Kingston v Preston and Richmond v Oakleigh. Saturday: Frankston Pines v Altona Magic. Sunday: Fawkner-Whittlesea v Essendon and Heidelberg v Melbourne Knights. Monday night: Bulleen v South Melbourne.