by Davyd Reid
TWO top five battles headline an intriguing round 15 of Ellinbank District football.
Third-placed Trafalgar will host ladder leaders Buln Buln, while second-placed Ellinbank host fifth-placed Poowong.
It's set to be a moving day of sorts, with the round also set to feature key contests for the mid-pack that are in the chase for displacing Poowong in the top five, as sixth plays 10th, seventh host ninth and eight meets 11th.
The Magpies, who held firm for the majority of last week's contest against Neerim-Neerim South, meet their next test when they travel to take on form side Ellinbank.
Following a disappointing loss to Lang Lang in round nine, the Eagles have completed a five-game streak that included inflicting Buln Buln's first loss.
The Magpies will at least hope for a competitive effort, as the weekend presents an opportunity for the sixth-placed Tigers to bridge the gap.
LANG LANG host Catani, and a win for the Tigers could bridge the gap to percentage only barring the Magpies pulling off an upset of sorts.
Although the Blues are improving, the Tigers simply have too much to play for ahead of a key match up with the Magpies to come in round 18.
TRAFALAGAR host Buln Buln in another big clash between two teams in the top three.
The Bloods have fallen short of the leading teams so far this season, with this contest set to be another test against a Lyrebirds side that responded hotly last week following its first loss of the season a fortnight ago.
SEVENTH-PLACED Longwarry and eighth placed Yarragon enter the round desperately seeking victory over their lower ranked opponents to keep their fading hopes alive.
The Crows will take on Nyora, while the Panthers host a Nilma-Darnum side that pushed Lang Lang last week.
With both sides boasting a percentage in the 70s, building this will also be at the forefront of their minds.
Expect the home sides to have a slight edge on this occasion.
NEERIM-NEERIM SOUTH have the bye.