by Davyd Reid
Second through to fourth will look to further consolidate their positions in round 14 of Ellinbank District football.
LANG LANG could draw within one game of ladder leader Buln Buln should they get the job done over fifth-placed Longwarry, although the Lyrebirds have a game in hand and significant percentage advantage as they head into the bye.
It will prove a good test for the Crows. In a competition that has been emerging as the top four and the best of the rest, Longwarry will be out to see how far off they are from challenging the leading teams.
NEERIM-NEERIM SOUTH could keep third spot on the ladder with victory at Trafalgar.
The Cats currently sit on nine wins, one behind the second-placed Tigers and one ahead of fourth-placed Ellinbank.
The Bloods, who have been ravaged by injury this season, desperately require an upset or two in the run home to be any chance of challenging Longwarry for that coveted finals berth.
On current form the Cats should be too strong, but the Bloods at their best will be confident of mounting a challenge.
ELLINBANK will travel to Yarragon with some confidence despite last week's narrow loss.
It was heartbreak after a missed opportunity to inflict Buln Buln its first loss after the siren, and the Eagles will look to respond with another strong performance.
NILMA-DARNUM travel to Catani looking to record its sixth win and keep its fading hopes alive.
If the Bombers can maintain seventh, it will be a pass mark for a side building off not much success in recent seasons.
Although only recording the one win to date, the Blues have been playing with improved intensity and will back themselves in to challenge the Bombers.
LOCAL rivals Nyora and Poowong will meet.
Always a close contest regardless of where they sit on the ladder, the contest provides the opportunity for as victory sought after as teams at the lower end of the ladder.
The Magpies will be out to try and deny the Saints their first victory.