by Davyd Reid
Round five of the Ellinbank District Football League promises to be its most competitive yet, with the top four sides set to meet each other on Saturday.
Add to that an important mid-table clash between sixth and seventh, eight will play 10th and ninth meets 11th, which should promise some close contests.
With the top five all separated by percentage, albeit with Neerim-Neerim South and Trafalgar having a game in hand, ladder positions could shift.
Fifth-placed Longwarry have the bye and will watch on with interest.
Much interest surrounds the form of fourth-placed Buln Buln, with many pundits expecting them to join the undefeated Cats and Bloods as contenders this season.
The Lyrebirds meet the undefeated Bloods in what will be their second big test away from home this season.
Having showed positive signs in the opening round loss to the Cats, where inaccuracy proved their detriment, the Lyrebirds will be hoping for another competitive effort.
While Buln Buln won a thrilling match at Trafalgar last time they met, coach Bob McCullum was circumspect when previewing the clash on local radio post-game last Saturday. He said he expected a slow build towards the end of the season, where they are aiming to hit their peak.
Adding to the challenge this week, the Lyrebirds have lost some firepower up forward with Sam Langford going down with an ankle and not expected to play.
The Bloods have been able to get on top in the midfield in recent weeks, allowing the likes of Damian Mann and Dylan Farrell good supply. Quelling the influence of the likes of Matthew Van Schajik and Matthew Swenson will be key for the Lyrebirds, with Trafalgar expected to have a slight edge at home.
Third-placed Lang Lang will host ladder leader Neerim-Neerim South. On current form, the dominant Cats will enter favourite, but the Tigers will have a point to prove as they look to show they can match it with the leading sides.
The Tigers have done what they need to, banking big wins over the lower sides. But current form still suggest they are a middle of the road side.
A 40-point loss to Buln Buln and a tight win over an improving Yarragon show the Tigers still have some work to do before considering themselves a contender.
Seventh-placed Poowong hosts sixth-placed Yarragon in an important clash for both sides.
Having squared its ledger at 2-2 but with a healthy percentage, the Panthers will move into the top five with victory on Saturday. While mid-table rivals Longwarry and Ellinbank have a game in hand, Yarragon placing themselves in the five even at this early stage will be a significant morale boost for a side looking to rise.
It won't be an easy task, however, with Poowong in good form and mounting its own case for a finals appearance. The Magpies have gone close without getting the chocolates, with a big win over Catani in round three the saving grace for their healthy percentage.
Poowong desperately need this one to keep in touch with the five, and should have a slight edge at home.
Ellinbank will welcome the chance to host Catani and get its season back on track. In pleasing signs for the Bankers, they have been in every game this season. But unfortunately only have one win to show for it.
Coming up against the winless Catani, the Bankers will be looking for a big win to boost its percentage and keep in touch with the five.
Nyora host Nilma-Darnum to close out the round, with the Saints aiming for win number two and the Bombers searching for their first win. The young Bombers showed some improvement last week and will be looking to put in a competitive showing, but home side Nyora should start favourite.
Round five: Trafalgar v Buln Buln, Poowong v Yarragon, Nyora v Nilma Darnum, Lang Lang v Neerim-Neerim South, Ellinbank v Catani.