by Davyd Reid
Ellinbank District football resumes on Saturday following the Easter break, with a clash between the undefeated Trafalgar and Longwarry match of the round.
The Bloods will enter the clash hoping to build on the momentum prior to last weekend's general bye, where they accounted for the highly fancied Ellinbank.
It was an early statement under new coach Tom Hallinan, placing Trafalgar well among the leading contenders for season 2022.
For Longwarry, the match will present an early opportunity to measure where they are at against one of the form sides of the competition.
Prior to Easter, the Crows comfortably accounted for a Nyora side tipped to finish in the lower reaches of the ladder before prevailing in a five-point thriller over a much-improved Poowong side.
Other matches this round are expected to have more predictable outcomes.
Looking to also establish itself as a contender, Buln Buln will be looking for a big win when they travel to Nyora.
Currently mid-table following an opening round loss where they had their chances against ladder leaders Neerim-Neerim South, this is a match the Lyrebirds can ill afford to drop.
The Lyrebirds responded well in round two, a ruthless nine-goal second term key in setting up victory over Lang Lang.
The visitors will no doubt be looking for a percentage booster, but the Saints will be looking to put in another competitive effort after pushing Catani a fortnight ago.
Poowong will look to bounce back when it hosts Catani.
The Magpies are yet to win a game this season, but have been impressive after coming close in losses to Ellinbank and Longwarry.
Poowong will look to begin its run now, with the key to securing the points being the holding of Blues forward Lachlan Free, whose five goals helped the Blues to a round two victory.
Lang Lang will start slight favourites when they host Yarragon.
The Tigers enter the contest with mixed form, easily accounting for Catani in the opening round before going down to Buln Buln in round two.
The Panthers will give themselves every chance to take the points in this encounter as they look to climb the ladder, having shown better form to begin the 2022 season.
Ladder leaders Neerim-Neerim South will look to further consolidate top spot when they host Nilma-Darnum.
Having banked the important four points against Buln Buln in the opening round, the Cats were comfortably ahead when play was suspended in its second-round match against Yarragon.
The home side will look to boost its already healthy percentage against a Bombers side expected to battle this season.
Ellinbank will enjoy another week off courtesy the bye.