Top of the table clash between Lyrebirds and Crows

by Davyd Reid
Competitive contests are expected in round three as the ladder continues to take shape in Ellinbank District football.
Last year's grand finalist Buln Buln shape as an early frontrunner, following victories over reigning premier Neerim-Neerim South and finals fancy Ellinbank.
They will next travel to take on Longwarry in a top of the table clash, the Crows doing as expected in notching wins over 2022 cellar dwellers Nilma-Darnum and Catani.
The contest against the Lyrebirds will offer an opportunity to measure Longwarry's improvement, with playing assistant Darren Granger proving a big difference as the Crows look to build from the middle rungs of the ladder.
While not going in as favourite, the Crows will give themselves a chance, taking victory by a solitary point in last year's corresponding fixture.
NEERIM-NEERIM South will host Poowong in a clash between two sides looking to finish much higher than the fourth and fifth that they currently occupy.
The Cats bounced back in a big way last week following their opening round loss to Buln Buln, and will look to continue the sort of form displayed against the Saints as they continue their mission to go back-to-back.
The Magpies will be conscious of making a strong start, having not played since the first Saturday in April and given the Cats' ability to take the game away from its opposition quickly.
With some new players into the line-up following a change of coach, the Magpies took the points in a tight contest against rivals Nyora while continuing to gel.
Poowong will need to be at its best to challenge the Cats this week.
LANG LANG and Nilma-Darnum meet with an opportunity to score a confidence building win.
Looking to return to finals, the Tigers would have been disappointed with their slow start last week which saw them drop the points to fellow 2022 mid-table rival Yarragon.
These are simply the games Lang Lang need to win if they are to climb back into the top five, with this contest against the improving Bombers crucial to getting their season on track.
Nilma-Darnum have pushed their opposition in patches, only falling away in the second half against the Crows, before being desperately unlucky in falling short last week against Trafalgar.
If they can continue their improvement, they could be a threat to the Tigers.
TRAFALGAR enter its clash against Catani as undefeated, but should expect a challenge from the Blues.
The Bloods may have walked away with victory in the opening rounds but have been far from convincing in matches against Yarragon and Nilma-Darnum.
Despite a heavy loss to Ellinbank in the opening round, the Blues pushed Longwarry last week and look an improved prospect.
Trafalgar are the favourite at home, but the Blues won't be a pushover.
ELLINBANK will look to return to its best form when they host Nyora.
The Eagles have had a contrasting opening two rounds, easily brushing aside Catani before falling to an in-form Buln Buln in round two.
Ellinbank will be confident their best can contend, and should bounce back over a Saints outfit looking to put in another competitive effort following last week's big loss to the Cats.
Yarragon have the bye.