by Davyd Reid
The challenges keep coming for reigning premier Buln Buln, who host an Ellinbank side who have recruited well in the off-season.
The Lyrebirds overcame a third quarter surge to comfortably account for Neerim-Neerim South last week, however this week's contest presents as arguably a greater challenge given the Cats went in undermanned.
Ellinbank, who had the bye last week, have been around the mark in recent seasons without pushing deep into finals.
The Bankers have taken steps over the pre-season to address this, adding the likes of former Narre Warren ruckman Connor Wilkins and Makalo Haywood from Hampton Park.
The contest is set to provide Ellinbank with an early benchmark against the form side of last season.
Patrick Ireland will be one the Bankers look to quell, coming off six goals last week.
This contest could well and truly go either way.
LONGWARRY host Nilma-Darnum in an enticing matchup between two of the bigger improvers to emerge from last round.
The Crows put their returning players to good use in a comfortable win over Catani with Justin McCleary, Jason Wells (six goals), Kane Oldham and Bailey Stephens all featuring among the better players.
Nilma-Darnum will look to continue the wave of momentum of crushing Nyora last week to break its significant drought. The Bombers impressed out of the middle with precision kicking in that contest.
Longwarry will start favourite on trusted form, but it will be interesting to see how the Bombers will fare against slightly stronger opposition.
YARRAGON host Neerim-Neerim South in what shapes as another enticing contest based on round one form.
The Panthers showed improvement to comfortably account for 2023 finalist Poowong, while a blistering third term showed the Cats could trouble the top sides if they can put it together for longer.
All eyes will be on if the Cats can get some of their five missing from their better side back. In the meantime this is the type of contest they need to win as they look to stave off those pushing from the mid-rungs of the ladder.
The Cats should have enough talent to bounce back, but the Panthers will be out to show they could be a threat to the top five.
TRAFALGAR will look to bounce back when they host Poowong.
The Bloods met a difficult opponent in challenging conditions last week, and should be tipped to bounce back on their home ground over a Poowong side some have tipped to slide this season.
LANG LANG will look to continue its winning ways, travelling down the road to take on Nyora.
Based on its round one result, it could be another long day as part of a long season for the Saints, its opposition arguably stronger this week.
CATANI have the bye.