by Davyd Reid
A clash between perennial finalists of recent years in Neerim-Neerim South and Buln Buln will headline round two of Ellinbank District football.
Having traded blows in the 2022 and 2023 grand finals, both the Cats and Lyrebirds have been at the pointy end of the ladder in recent seasons.
They'll be hoping season 2025 proves no exception, setting up another early intriguing clash.
The new recruits for the Cats led the charge in an opening round strong victory over season 2024 mid-table side Nilma-Darnum, boding well for their season.
Despite some anticipating a slight drop off of sorts for Buln Buln, the Lyrebirds took it up to an Ellinbank side expected to also feature at the top end of the ladder.
The Lyrebirds' defence has been lauded for being the best in the competition in recent seasons, and last week proved no exception.
The test will come against a potent Cats forward line.
Neerim-Neerim South may have the edge at home.
YARRAGON will get an indicator of its level of improvement when they travel to take on Lang Lang.
Despite missing nine players due to a wedding last week, the Tigers had enough depth to push Longwarry to the final siren in an impressive performance.
Led by recruitment of former AFL ruckman Braydon Preuss, the Panthers have added to their list as they look to push up the ladder.
Their credentials will be tested against a full strength Lang Lang side expected to be in top four contention.
CATANI will look for consecutive victories when they host Poowong.
Coming off a victory over Nyora, the Blues will look to bank another early win ahead of greater challenges on the other side of the Easter break.
ELLINBANK will be favoured to continue its winning ways, hosting Bunyip.
Last week was a difficult initiation for the Bulldogs, and it won't get any easier against a strong Ellinbank side.
LONGWARRY will also look to make it two wins from as many games when they host Nyora.
The Crows will hope it comes as a breather following last week's gruelling win over Lang Lang.
TRAFALGAR and Nilma-Darnum clash in a match between two mid-table sides looking to push up the ladder.
On current exposed form, the Bloods will enter their home match with favortism.