by Davyd Reid
While the Ellinbank District football top five has already been set heading into the final round, plenty of the dead rubbers are sure to intrigue.
The match of the round will see ladder leaders Neerim-Neerim South host fourth-placed Ellinbank in the ultimate test for the Eagles leading into finals.
Coming up against the competition yardstick, the visitor will come away from Saturday's contest knowing how much work needs to be done if they are going to forge ahead deep into the finals.
Ellinbank will know its best form is capable of a competitive effort, and they will take confidence from the fact Trafalgar ran close to the Cats up to three-quarter-time last week.
Still, the Cats were able to step up when it counted in that contest, and they will look to cap a strong season at home to maintain their undefeated status.
The big question to emerge is whether or not Chris Urie will get a run for the Cats ahead of the finals, having missed the past two weeks.
No matter the result, the Cats already have the minor premiership locked away while Ellinbank aren't likely to move any higher, given a significant percentage gap to third-placed Trafalgar.
Having gone down to Poowong last week to end their finals ambitions, Lang Lang will host Trafalgar.
The Tigers could finish the season with a boost in gate sales, with Buln Buln to potentially get a look at its qualifying final opposition ahead of the finals by virtue of having the bye.
The Bloods showed improved form against Neerim-Neerim South last week, and will look to continue that strong form ahead of another shot at the Lyrebirds.
With the Tigers looking to finish with a strong effort and the Bloods to consider holding some cards close to their chest, expect the visitor to get over the line in a close contest.
Poowong will tune up for the finals when it heads down the road to take on local South Gippsland rival Nyora.
Given the recent swap of Sunday finals venues owing to a Father's Day swap meet at Nyora, it presents an opportunity for the Magpies to familiar themselves with the venue it will return to for the elimination final.
It will be good preparation, with Nyora always stepping up for these contests. The Saints have been building as the season has progressed.
Poowong could climb back to fourth with victory, while Nyora could climb to eight should it upset the Magpies and the Blues upset the Panthers.
Yarragon have also been an improving side and will look to finish with its seventh win at home over a struggling Blues outfit who have only accounted for Nilma-Darnum this year.
Longwarry will travel to Nilma-Darnum looking for an eighth win and guaranteed seventh-placed finish.
It's the final chance for the Bombers to take the points, although the percentage gap to Catani should see them entrenched at the foot of the ladder regardless.