by Davyd Reid
BULN BULN will host an improving Poowong in round 11 of Ellinbank District football on Saturday.
The Lyrebirds remain undefeated but may see a challenge from a Poowong side that has been building form as the season progresses. The Magpies are now displaying run, carry and improved skills to sit comfortably in the top five.
This week will prove a good test to see how they may fare against the leading sides in the competition.
TRAFALGAR travel to Lang Lang in what shapes as a potential danger game for the Bloods.
Improved form in recent weeks has seen the Tigers progress to sixth on the ladder, albeit two games outside the five.
If Lang Lang are to challenge for the finals appearance they desperately crave, it's games such as this one against the fourth-placed Trafalgar that will be imperative to bridging the gap.
The Bloods currently sit fourth, having taken the points against those below it but not quite having enough to match the top teams.
Trafalgar will enter the contest keen to further establish its buffer in the top five.
SEVENTH-placed Yarragon meet ninth-placed Longwarry in an important clash to shape their seasons.
The Panthers could move back to sixth should other results fall their way, while the Crows will be hoping for another victory to keep in touch.
Just four points separate sixth-placed Lang Lang from ninth-placed Longwarry, the seventh-placed Panthers boasting the best percentage of that grouping.
It's a game Yarragon will look to win to further display their improvement, although will be wary of a Crows side also building form in recent weeks.
Quelling the influence of Crows assistant Darren Granger will be key to the Panthers' hopes.
NEERIM-NEERIM SOUTH will look to continue their brutal form when they travel to take on Catani.
Following the disappointment of potentially having nothing to show for its dominant first half against Yarragon a fortnight ago, the Cats put on a brutal display against Nilma-Darnum.
The Blues have displayed improved form and will get the opportunity to see how that stacks up.
Expect another strong win for the Cats.
ELLINBANK travel to Nilma-Darnum looking to hold second spot.
The Eagles currently sit four points clear of the Cats, Bloods and Magpies, who occupy third through to fifth.
The Bombers will look for an improved competitive effort in another stern test.
NYORA have the bye.