Second-placed Ellinbank will travel to take on fourth-placed Neerim-Neerim South in a twilight fixture on Saturday. Contesting for the ball earlier in the year are Ellinbank's Alex Olsen (34) and Neerim's Dean Stringer (13).
by Davyd Reid
A BUMPER twilight clash between second-placed Ellinbank and fourth-placed Neerim-Neerim South headlines round 17 of Ellinbank District football.
The round will feature just four games to enable an equitable fixture where each side has two byes.
A big day of football and netball kicks off at Neerim South with the under 16s at 8am, under 18s at 9.35am and the junior Warragul District footballers taking the field through the middle of the day.
The much-anticipated senior clash will take place at twilight, kicking off at 4.30pm.
Ellinbank has rocketed into premiership contention, inflicting Buln Buln's only loss and having dropped the points just twice this season.
The Cats are also well and truly in the mix, boasting the healthiest percentage in the competition and hunting down the double chance.
Ellinbank's form has been slightly more reliable and they should have a slight edge, but don't discount the Cats in what should be an enthralling contest.
POOWONG will eye off an opportunity to re-claim its spot in the top five in a key contest with fellow finals aspirant Longwarry.
The Magpies dropped out with a disappointing loss to Trafalgar last week, but could re-claim their place with victory this week.
The Crows sit a further four points back and will need to win this one at home to keep their fading hopes alive.
Needing to win these types of games to secure its spot in the five, expect Poowong to return to form for an important victory.
YARRAGON will look for victory at Catani to also keep its fading hopes alive.
The Blues enter the contest coming off a high, getting over the line in front of a finals like crowd at Darnum last week.
The Panthers will need to be weary of this, as they look for victory to bridge the gap to the give.
Catani will also be celebrating 100 years on Saturday.
Photos and memorabilia will be on display from 12noon at the past players, officials and supporters day. A function will follow at 6.30pm.
BULN BULN will host Lang Lang to close out the round.
The Lyrebirds will look to maintain their impressive form that sees them eight points clear at the top of the ladder.
An upset of sorts will assist the Tigers in their bid for a finals appearance, but it's not expected to occur up against the red-hot Lyrebirds on their home ground.
NILMA DARNUM, NYORA and TRAFALGAR have the bye.
