by Davyd Reid
Lang Lang faces another test away from home in the lead up to finals as the Ellinbank District football home and away season comes to a close on Saturday.
The Tigers couldn't quite get over the line against the second-placed Neerim-Neerim South last week, and this week travel again to take on third-placed Ellinbank.
Last week's result all but put paid to any hopes of a top three finish to secure a double chance. With just over 45 percentage points to make up on the Eagles, an elimination final date against Longwarry looms.
The Tigers will look to use the opportunity to show they can compete with the top three sides, while Ellinbank will look for a victory to further build confidence ahead of the business end of the season.
HAVING already secured its finals berth, Longwarry could move to fourth with victory over Trafalgar should the result at Ellinbank fall their way.
Following a mixed start of three wins and four losses, the Crows have won nine of their past 10 with the loss a narrow one to the undefeated Buln Buln.
They'll look to build on that confidence over a Trafalgar side hoping to finish the season on a high.
NEERIM-NEERIM SOUTH and Buln Buln both travel, but should further consolidate their positions in the top two.
The Cats take on a Poowong side rebuilding under new coach Dale Carroll, while the Lyrebirds take on an improving Nilma-Darnum outfit.
Last week's victory ensured Neerim-Neerim South should finish with the double chance regardless, as a loss should only drop them as far as third.
For Buln Buln, they will look to head into the finals with a perfect 18-0 record, the chance of finishing premier and champions alive.
WITH Nyora having finished its season last week, Catani host Yarragon in a match between two sides looking to build confidence ahead of season 2025.
MUCH intrigue will surround the races for the top five in the lower grades, with a high stakes reserves match-up between Longwarry and Trafalgar.
Should Nilma-Darnum fall to the higher ranked Buln Buln, the victor of the clash between the Crows and the Bloods will jump into the top five.
THE under 18s also sees a final round race.
With fifth-placed Neerim-Neerim South facing top side Poowong, it opens the door for Trafalgar should they pull off another victory over Longwarry.
With the assistance of Isaac Caroleo, the Bloods pulled off the feat last week and will give themselves every chance.
THE under 16 top five is set with ladder positions unlikely to change.
Buln Buln would need to rely on sixth-placed Lang Lang pulling off an upset to displace ladder leaders Ellinbank.