Ellinbank's Alex Olsen and Longwarry's Nick Redley contest the ruck in Saturday's senior game. Ellinbank face a crucial clash with Buln Buln this weekend, whilst Longwarry will aim to restore confidence against Catani.
by Davyd Reid
The clash between fifth-placed Ellinbank and third-placed Buln Buln headlines round 16 of Ellinbank District football, with victory important for both sides.
Buln Buln passed a big test last week to move clear in the race to secure the double chance. They held on against a resurgent Poowong, ending the Magpies' hot winning streak at seven.
Victory over the Eagles would move the Lyrebirds closer to securing a top three finish, but they should expect another challenge.
Ellinbank sit in the top five with the barest of percentage point margins to sixth-placed Lang Lang. With the Tigers having the bye, an opportunity presents to again mover clear.
Pinching a victory over a higher ranked team will go a long way towards securing another finals berth for the Eagles.
Longwarry will gain an opportunity to restore some confidence when it hosts Catani.
The Crows have endured a difficult run of late due to injury, but in positive signs, its talented youth have showed an ability to step up.
Returning to the winners' list will give them further confidence.
Trafalgar will host Yarragon in another battle for the Waterloo Cup.
Ladder position would suggest a comfortable victory for the Bloods, but these clashes between local rivals are always hotly contested.
For the Bloods, an opportunity presents to move closer to securing the double chance, while the Panthers will look to finish the season with some momentum as they build towards next season.
Poowong should return to the winners' list when they host Nilma-Darnum.
Securing their 10th win would keep the Magpies in the hunt for the double chance.
The Bombers will look for another competitive effort following some improvement last week.
Neerim-Neerim South emerge from the bye having taken all before them.
While they travel to take on an improving Nyora side, expect the Cats to come away with their unbeaten record intact.
Saturday's games at 2.10pm (home team named first):
Trafalgar v Yarragon;
Poowong v Nilma Darnum;
Nyora v Neerim-Neerim South;
Ellinbank v Buln Buln; and
Longwarry v Catani.
Bye: Lang Lang.
