Making a case: How the Mustangs reach four straight wins and how Centrals can stop them

Through four rounds they've managed the following:

It's an impressive start, no doubt, but it remains just a start and they'll need to continue building when they host Centrals this weekend.

Below are some of the factors that suggest they'll make it four on the trot, and some that suggest Centrals might bring their run to a halt.

Home sweet home

Three of the Mustangs' opening four games have been on the road, including visits to Rockingham (loss), Falcon (win) and Baldivis (win). But they're back at Rushton Park this week, and they'll be relishing the chance to use their run and spread on the bigger oval. Coach George Costello hinted it should provide a boost for his team when we spoke earlier this week, and given their ability to run sides off their feet it's hard to argue with him.

Tall timber standing strong

While much has been made of Mandurah's midfield and their depth of players that can run the ball, the success of their key position players is driving a lot of their good results. Ruckman Hamish Free is an early Ross Elliott Medal smokey given the form he's been in, they welcomed back forward and co-skipper Stuart Puls last week and the likes of Alex McLeod and Jay Walton have been superb. On the bigger ground, where these guys have more space to lead into, they have the chance to be very influential.

Momentum resides in Mandurah

If confidence plays as big a part as most coaches would have you believe, then Mandurah might just be a shoe-in for this game. After three straight wins, particularly the one in Baldivis last weekend, you could argue no side has more momentum than the Mustangs at the moment. After knocking off the Brumbies (their first win over a genuine finals contender) they will have the belief they can get the job done against anyone on their day.

Underdog status suits this bunch

Centrals always seem to pop up for a surprise win when you're not expecting it. They'll head into this game as the underdogs, and to be honest, it's probably something they enjoy. Outside of putting four points on the board, there's not really much pressure on the Blues in this one. Mandurah is the side that's captured our eye, and they're the side we all of a sudden expect to win games like this, but don't be too surprised if a Centrals outfit that's still loaded with talent causes an upset.

A hell of a Hill

While there's been plenty of praise for Mandurah ruckman Hamish Free, Centrals big man Brett Hill has been making waves himself. He's been in his side's best players in each of their first four games, procuring top votes in three of them. Hill slotted five goals last week, and another big performance from him would go a long way to securing a victory for the Blues.

Looking for consistency

The Blues will be pretty eager to string together back-to-back wins after an up-and-down start to 2019. A tough loss to Waroona opened their campaign before they bounced back against Halls Head. They were then bested by Rockingham in round three before turning the tide to cruise past Souths last weekend. Here, they're not only presented with the chance buck their roller coaster trend, but they also have the opportunity to beat some quality opposition and reaffirm their status as a finals contender.