by Davyd Reid
Round six of Ellinbank District football looms as an early key in shaping the final five in a bumper fixture of mid-table battles.
Fourth will play fifth, sixth meets seventh and eighth will face off against ninth in what should be a competitive round of matches.
HAVING fallen to Neerim-Neerim South last week, Longwarry face another test when they host Ellinbank.
The Eagles boosted their percentage with a big win over Nyora last week and will look to continue that momentum as they aim to push further up the ladder.
Shaping as one of the big improvers of season 2024, the Crows currently sit fifth and while they have been able to dispatch its mid-table rivals to date, the next step is to take a big scalp.
Ellinbank now boast the second best percentage in the competition and, on form, should win this contest, but Longwarry will be out to put forward a competitive effort in further demonstration of their improvement.
NILMA-DARNUM host Poowong in a match between sixth and seventh.
A Longwarry loss would see the victor of this contest move into the top five given their superior percentage, ensuring there is plenty to play for.
Poowong have been building closer to the form that saw them play finals last year, and they'll be out to show they will be around the mark again.
The Bombers will be looking to find reward for their hard work that also have them spoken about as a big improver for 2024.
TRAFALGAR host Yarragon in what is set to be one of the most competitive battles for the Waterloo Cup in recent times.
Injuries haven't helped the Bloods' cause as they have endured a difficult draw to begin the season, slumping to eighth with one win and a percentage of just 63.
Trafalgar will hope for a much-needed victory here ahead of the draw opening up for them.
Following a round seven bye, the Bloods meet the struggling Nyora and Catani punctuated by a big mid-table clash with Longwarry.
The battle of Waterloo is often competitive despite where the teams sit on the ladder, and the Panthers will also be out to show they are better than their one win record suggests.
BULN BULN travel to take on Nyora in what should be a boost to their fortunes.
The Lyrebirds sit undefeated second on the ladder, mainly by virtue of a bye. They will look to boost their already impressive percentage and close the gap to the top of the table Tigers.
The Saints will just look for improvements each week, but are set for another difficult day at the office.
NEERIM-NEERIM SOUTH will look to further consolidate in the top three when they travel to take on Catani.
Four wins on the trot have put the Cats back into the mix and casted any suggestions of a potential slide aside.
With Ellinbank challenging, the Cats will hope for another strong victory to maintain position in the top three.
LANG LANG have the bye.