Sport
Rivals clash in front of AFL stars

by Davyd Reid

A HIGHLY anticipated clash between Buln Buln and Neerim-Neerim South headlines round 12 of Ellinbank District football.
There will also be intrigue at Yarragon with former St Kilda AFL player Stephen Milne to line up for the Panthers.
Ellinbank District Football Netball operations manager Ken Moore has labelled it the most anticipated round of the year.
Former AFL talent abounds, with former Carlton premiership player Anthony Koutoufides watching over proceedings as the undefeated Buln Buln take on third-placed Neerim-Neerim South in match of the round.
The Lyrebirds shook off a plucky Poowong to maintain its unbeaten status, while the Cats continued their ominous form which has them with the highest percentage in the competition.
Buln Buln held on when these two teams clashed in a tight round one. They prevailed by four points despite having one less scoring shot.
Expect another enticing battle between the 2022 grand finalists on Saturday.
YARRAGON will receive a boost when it hosts Trafalgar in the battle for the Waterloo Cup.
Former St Kilda livewire Stephen Milne will line up for the Panthers, with former Collingwood player Dane Swan also set to join for the sportsman's night to follow.
The Panthers looked to address their scoring issues last week, returning 9.17 against Longwarry, and will hope Milne can assist them to kick another winning score.
Trafalgar will also look to improve its accuracy, albeit its 5.16 last week coming in blustery conditions at Lang Lang.
The Bloods have been thereabouts this season. While they have struggled to match the leading teams, they continue to get the job done over those ranked lower than them.
Yarragon sit six points adrift of the five and will be hoping the boost of Milne will help them to an upset result to maintain the gap.
SOUTH Gippsland rivals Nyora and Poowong will face off.
The Magpies have built into some good form to comfortably sit within the top five and will enter favourite.
However, the Saints are an improved outfit at home, so the Magpies will need to work for the result.
NILMA-DARNUM host Longwarry in another big battle between ninth and 11th.
The Crows will search for a fourth win to re-join the mid-pack, while the Bombers will be hoping for that elusive first win.
CATANI will get a measure of its improved form when they host Ellinbank.
A big win over Nyora in round nine has been followed by running top five teams Poowong and Neerim-Neerim South within 10 and 16 points respectively.
Ellinbank, in that time, have responded from a disappointing loss to Lang Lang by comfortably accounting for Yarragon and Nilma-Darnum.
Expect the Eagles to continue their strong form.
LANG LANG have the bye.

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