by Davyd Reid
LANG LANG will host Ellinbank in what shapes as a key contest in the battle for the top five in Ellinbank District football.
The Tigers and Eagles sit among a big pack of seven teams battling for position in the top five behind Neerim-Neerim South, who have moved ahead of the pack.
The Cats are now two games and significant percentage ahead of the competition but the race beyond there is tight, with just two wins separating second-placed Trafalgar and eight-placed Yarragon.
Saturday's round 10 match will go a long way towards the ambitions of Lang Lang and Ellinbank; both teams having a mixed season to sit mid-table.
For the Tigers, it is an opportunity at home to make a move to join its fellow rivals on five wins, and move ahead in the scramble for a finals berth.
It won't come easy though against an Ellinbank side who, despite going down to the Cats last week, know their best form will stack up against most in the competition.
Coach Ben Wragg left the field injured last week and could be a key loss, but the Eagles will back their depth to help them to an important victory.
Should Nathaniel Paredes suit up again for the Eagles following his return last week, he would be backed to build on his form as a big inclusion.
The match will be the last for former captain and key forward Mark Vassett, who will return to the United States on Sunday to continue his College punting career.
Longwarry will get a marker of where they are at when they travel to take on competition yardstick Neerim-Neerim South.
While boasting a 6-2 record to sit third, finding some consistency will be on the agenda for the Crows.
Their best has shown an ability to match it with the better sides, scoring impressive wins over Ellinbank and Buln Buln at home. On the other hand, they would be disappointed with their recent loss to fellow finals aspirant Yarragon, who came away with a comfortable win a fortnight ago.
The Panthers will hope to continue that strong form at home when they take on Buln Buln.
With their percentage lowest in the top eight, scoring a few upset wins could be key to Yarragon's hopes.
Buln Buln are coming off the bye and will look for a response to again feature among the leading teams.
Trafalgar could shore up outright second on the ladder when they travel to Nyora.
While the Bloods are still transitioning back to their best side, they should still have enough to overcome the Saints, who will be looking to put in another competitive effort at home.
Nilma-Darnum will host Catani as both sides look to secure the points for the first time this season.
On current form, the Blues should hold the slight edge, having led at three-quarter-time against Yarragon last week.
Sixth-placed Poowong will watch the results with interest, with the Magpies having the bye.
The Tigers and Eagles sit among a big pack of seven teams battling for position in the top five behind Neerim-Neerim South, who have moved ahead of the pack.
The Cats are now two games and significant percentage ahead of the competition but the race beyond there is tight, with just two wins separating second-placed Trafalgar and eight-placed Yarragon.
Saturday's round 10 match will go a long way towards the ambitions of Lang Lang and Ellinbank; both teams having a mixed season to sit mid-table.
For the Tigers, it is an opportunity at home to make a move to join its fellow rivals on five wins, and move ahead in the scramble for a finals berth.
It won't come easy though against an Ellinbank side who, despite going down to the Cats last week, know their best form will stack up against most in the competition.
Coach Ben Wragg left the field injured last week and could be a key loss, but the Eagles will back their depth to help them to an important victory.
Should Nathaniel Paredes suit up again for the Eagles following his return last week, he would be backed to build on his form as a big inclusion.
The match will be the last for former captain and key forward Mark Vassett, who will return to the United States on Sunday to continue his College punting career.
Longwarry will get a marker of where they are at when they travel to take on competition yardstick Neerim-Neerim South.
While boasting a 6-2 record to sit third, finding some consistency will be on the agenda for the Crows.
Their best has shown an ability to match it with the better sides, scoring impressive wins over Ellinbank and Buln Buln at home. On the other hand, they would be disappointed with their recent loss to fellow finals aspirant Yarragon, who came away with a comfortable win a fortnight ago.
The Panthers will hope to continue that strong form at home when they take on Buln Buln.
With their percentage lowest in the top eight, scoring a few upset wins could be key to Yarragon's hopes.
Buln Buln are coming off the bye and will look for a response to again feature among the leading teams.
Trafalgar could shore up outright second on the ladder when they travel to Nyora.
While the Bloods are still transitioning back to their best side, they should still have enough to overcome the Saints, who will be looking to put in another competitive effort at home.
Nilma-Darnum will host Catani as both sides look to secure the points for the first time this season.
On current form, the Blues should hold the slight edge, having led at three-quarter-time against Yarragon last week.
Sixth-placed Poowong will watch the results with interest, with the Magpies having the bye.
