A MONTH ago Benalla's season was on the rocks.
The side was sitting outside the top eight for just the second time in two and a half years and had dropped four matches in five rounds.
Any hopes of the Panthers taking another step forward after reaching a preliminary final last year appeared shot.
Fast forward four weeks and new life has been breathed into season 2012 and there is once again a buzz around the All Blacks.
Four straight victories by an average margin of 142 points has seen the Panthers climb back up to fifth spot, their percentage shooting up 50 points in the process.
Granted, those wins have come against sides in the bottom half of the ladder, but coach Ben Wapling has been pleased with what he has seen.
Even in Benalla's last two defeats, against Milawa and Whorouly, Wapling said the signs were good.
"I think we're peaking at the right time this year," he said.
"We've gone under the radar a little bit and snuck up to fifth now we just need to keep winning games to keep that pressure on the sides above us.
"I think we're in pretty good nick at the moment, and even the tougher sides we've played, if they're honest with themselves, would have to admit that we weren't far off."
While it's often difficult to gauge true form based on matches against struggling opposition, Wapling said there were indications in wins over Goorambat, Tatong, Bonnie Doon and Glenrowan that the Panthers were getting close to their best form.
"We've had a very disciplined game plan and tried to stick to our structures no matter who we're playing," he said.
"But it's been proven time and time again that finals are another game altogether.
"The first priority is to make finals, but then you have to play well once you get there that's our focus.
"If we can keep to our structures against the better sides I think we will measure up well, and this week is going to be a good test of that."
The Panthers travel to take on Greta tomorrow, and with the Blues precariously placed in eighth spot and the Gerry Crothers Cup up for grabs, Wapling knows there will be no quarter given.
"With the top eight as close as it is, every win is vital," he said.
"We're fully aware of how hard they will be going, because they really need it.
"But that just means it's an even better challenge for us."
With the likes of Jack Frampton who has booted 24 goals in the past four weeks Daryl Webb, Todd Rogers and Richard Bull all in top form, Wapling is confident Benalla has the personnel to beat Greta.
"Jack has been playing mainly in the middle and resting up forward, but his motor is a lot bigger this year and his work rate has allowed him to have a huge impact," he said.
"Webb and Rogers have been covering the ground really well and helping out in defence, and Bully is just a fantastic link up player his disposal is second to none.
"We'll get our full back, Ben Irwin, back after a week off, and everything going according to plan we should get big Spoons (Brendan Smith) back as well.
"But we might also lose one or two, depending on how they pull up.
"The key is just going to be to keep our structure and be accountable.
"We know who their more damaging players are, and we have to pay them the respect to shut them down.
"It's an opportunity for us to push into the top four, so we really need to play our best footy."
In other matches, North Wangaratta should prove too strong for a depleted Bonnie Doon, Goorambat will be aiming to bounce back when it takes on Glenrowan, while Whorouly and King Valley can strengthen their positions in the top eight with wins over Swanpool and Tatong.
By - SCOTT ANDERSON.
www.nenews.com.au
KICKING GOALS: Jack Frampton has been in devastating form, booting 24 goals in the past four matches. PHOTO: Marc Bongers
Last Modified on 27/07/2012 17:36