Buln Buln's Brandon Allen falls after a bump from Neerim-Neerim South's Chris Urie in the senior game in their previous meeting. Can the Lyrebirds gain victory over Trafalgar on Saturday to snatch second on the ladder? Or will it be the Bloods wearing the home shorts in the first round of finals?
by Davyd Reid
Who will be wearing the home shorts when the finals commence at Neerim South on Saturday, August 27?
The outcome of this week's clash between Buln Buln and Trafalgar could go a long way towards answering that question.
Speaking to local radio SEN following last week's win over Ellinbank, it was put to Buln Buln coach Bob McCallum how important an advantage finishing second would bring come the end of the home and away season.
"Not much, just wearing the home shorts I suppose," came his reply.
He conceded that a lot could change between now and finals, with several Lyrebirds set to return from injury in the coming weeks.
And, with work commitments opening up for Matt Stevens, another important piece has been added in attack.
With inaccuracy costing Buln Buln in its clashes with Neerim-Neerim South, the Lyrebirds could arguably be the team with the best chance of taking down the runaway Cats later this year.
Trafalgar are also a likely prospect, with players returning and adding to their depth.
While faced with a challenge in the face of Yarragon last week, the Bloods showed what they were capable of in a brutal nine-minute blast. From the 14-minute mark of the final term, they booted six goals to take the game away from the Panthers in an instant.
With Buln Buln comfortably accounting for finals aspirant Ellinbank last week, it sets up an enticing clash with second spot on the ladder for the taking.
Ellinbank will look for a return to the top five when they travel to take on Catani.
They were displaced by Lang Lang last week, despite the Tigers having the week off.
With the Blues offering up big scores at times and the Tigers up against the ladder leaders, only an upset at Neerim South will prevent the Eagles from re-establishing their advantage.
The Tigers will take some faith from the fact they were competitive for a half the last time they met the Cats. But the undefeated ladder leader at home is a different prospect.
Expect Neerim-Neerim South to continue to carry their strong momentum.
Nilma-Darnum will give themselves every chance at home when they host Nyora.
While the Bombers have been improving, so have the Saints, who on paper should have a slight advantage.
Victory would see the visitor move up a rung on the ladder as they look to build some late season momentum ahead of 2023.
Yarragon, Longwarry and Poowong all have the bye.
