by Davyd Reid
Will the presence of a former Collingwood AFL star be enough to inspire Nyora to victory over finals aspirant Lang Lang?
That will be the question on the mind of everyone who drives through the gate on Cornishs' Road for round seven of Ellinbank District football on Saturday, with Dane Swan to pull on the boots for the Saints.
Notwithstanding the presence of the former premiership star and Brownlow medallist, it would have been the Tigers considered heavy favourite heading into the clash.
The Tigers form part of a mid-pack battling for the lower reaches of the top five, with just percentage separating fifth-placed Poowong from seventh-placed Ellinbank.
When you add in the fact Yarragon are not too far behind, collecting the points over lower ranked opponents prove vital to stay in the mix.
The presence of Swan turns this one into a danger game for Lang Lang, who will look to stave off a challenge with a victory likely to put them back into the five.
Saints fans will have belief this one could be an opportunity for an upset at home, but the Tigers' inspiration for a top five spot puts them slightly ahead in favouritism.
Longwarry host Buln Buln in what should be another enthralling contest.
Both sides enter the contest on four wins, with victory paramount to keep pace with the leading pack.
Buln Buln will look to respond following last week's loss to Ellinbank, with the victor set to move clear in third spot.
Longwarry at its home ground present a challenge, with the Crows building into good form with recent victories over Ellinbank and Catani.
This one could go either way, with Buln Buln's best football required to get the result.
Ellinbank will aim to continue its recent form when it hosts Yarragon.
With the Panthers hanging around and still in contention, the Bankers can't afford to take its opponent lightly.
Yarragon finished last week's clash against contender Trafalgar strongly and will be eager for an upset win to join the pack sitting on three wins.
If the Bankers can bring the form it showed against Buln Buln in the second quarter last week for a longer period, they should get the job done at home.
Poowong will be hoping for a competitive showing when they host league leaders Neerim-Neerim South.
The Magpies will enter the contest aware a big upset is likely required to hold its spot in the five.
Expect Poowong to be competitive early before the Cats kick away to obtain their unbeaten record.
Trafalgar is tipped for a big win at home.
The Bloods hold a healthy percentage and should build on it against a struggling Nilma-Darnum outfit that boasts a percentage of just 12.53.
The winless Catani will get an opportunity to lick its wounds and re-set with the bye.