by Davyd Reid
Neerim-Neerim South and Ellinbank clash at Trafalgar on Saturday for passage through to the second semi final, while Longwarry face off against Lang Lang in a sudden death eliminator at Catani on Sunday.
With both the Cats and Eagles entering the contest having recorded 14 wins for the home and away season, it sets up an enticing contest between two sides looking to push deep into the finals.
For the victor, an opportunity to qualify for a grand final spot presents the following Saturday against the undefeated Buln Buln.
A strong contingent of Lyrebird players, officials and spectators may be expected on Saturday to get a look at their opponent for the following week.
While the side on the wrong side of the result will be forced to get through the long way, moving to a Sunday eliminator against the winner between the Crows and Tigers.
Get through that, and it's a six-day break to a high-pressure preliminary final.
Both sides enter the contest in strong form, each experiencing just the one narrow loss in the final seven rounds of the season, and will match up well around the ground.
The Cats will also be action in the Reserves and under 16s, taking on Lang Lang and Buln Buln respectively. Catani take on Ellinbank in the under 18s.
SUNDAY'S attention turns to tense sudden death battles, with Longwary to meet Lang Lang.
After starting the season slowly at 3-4, the Crows will enter with confidence having went on an impressive run that saw just a narrow loss to Buln Buln to storm into finals.
While the Tigers' form has dropped off slightly in the closing rounds, you can't write off a side that includes experienced forward Marc Holt.
The Tigers have also demonstrated their best side can challenge, at one stage sitting second on the ladder before battling through personnel challenges for the back end of the season.
Longwarry are also in action in the reserves and under 18s, taking on Buln Buln and Trafalgar respectively. Poowong meet Nilma-Darnum in the under 16s.