by Davyd Reid
A PATH through to the second semi-final is up for grabs for Ellinbank and Trafalgar as Ellinbank District football finals commence at Nyora on Saturday.
The sides met just a fortnight ago, Trafalgar coming away with a 14-point victory in an impressive run home to secure the double chance.
Another tight contest is expected, with the tight confines of the Grundy Avenue venue likely to suit Ellinbank.
However, Trafalgar will take confidence from their past encounter and will back themselves in to win.
The winner will take on Buln Buln in next week's second semi-final, with the winner of that contest to advance straight through to the decider.
Ellinbank take on Buln Buln in the reserves and under 18s, while Ellinbank and Trafalgar also face off in the under 16s.
SUNDAY'S sudden death elimination finals will be played at Lang Lang, with Neerim-Neerim South taking on Poowong.
The Cats just missed out on a top three finish, despite having the second-best percentage in the competition, and will have to advance through the long way if they are to challenge for the title.
Neerim-Neerim South will enter favourite based on season form, and the Magpies will hope for an upset of sorts.
Lang Lang host Catani in the reserves, Longwarry play Yarragon in the under 18s and Lang Lang host Buln Buln in the under 16s.