by Davyd Reid
Which side will forge ahead in the battle for a top three finish in Ellinbank and District Football when Poowong hosts Buln Buln in round 15?
The Magpies and Lyrebirds will meet in match of the round, with the victor to move four points clear in the race for the double chance.
Poowong enter the contest in form; six wins on the trot catapulting the Magpies into top three contention and establishing themselves as a serious threat.
Coach Chris Doria has reported a connected team, with good numbers on the training track.
Buln Buln's season has carried a no fuss approach. Widely tipped as a side to watch to begin 2022, the Lyrebirds have been able to bank the wins required despite missing key players at times.
Despite this, other players have been able to step up. The fact experienced forward Adam Rakip has spent some time at reserves level is a sign of their depth.
The Magpies could have a slight edge at home in a match where the outcome is a flip of the coin.
Ellinbank will host Longwarry in another match with potential to shape the make up of the top five.
The Eagles enter the contest following the bye, needing victory to ward off the sides pushing below it.
Despite the Crows missing some key players, their brigade of impressive young talent have troubled the opposition at times in recent weeks, boding well for the club's future.
While only one win outside the top five, Longwarry face a significant percentage gap to its rivals. They will need to take some scalps if they are to qualify, beginning this week.
With the Crows missing some talent, expect a fresh Ellinbank side to be too strong at home and go a step further towards securing a finals berth.
The threat of Lang Lang below them remains, with just 13 percentage points separating them.
The Tigers host a struggling Nilma-Darnum and, depending on results, a big win could see Lang Lang into the top five on Saturday night regardless.
Trafalgar should also consolidate its ambitions for the double chance when it hosts lowly Catani.
Nyora will host Yarragon in another intriguing match between eighth and ninth to close out the round.
With finals now looking a bridge too far, both sides will be looking for a strong finish to the season to build momentum for next year.
Nyora might just get the job done at home to join the Panthers on five wins.
Saturday's games at 2.10pm (home team listed first):
Trafalgar v Catani;
Poowong v Buln Buln;
Nyora v Yarragon;
Lang Lang v Nilma Darnum;
Ellinbank v Longwarry.
Bye: Neerim-Neerim South.