by Davyd Reid
Round 13 of Ellinbank District football will see sides jostle for position as the race to secure finals berths heats up.
With Trafalgar and Ellinbank locked at 28 points apiece, their clash looks to play a critical part in determining who will finish with a qualifying final berth come the end of the season.
It's a vital opportunity to move a game clear of some of their rivals, with Buln Buln and a charging Poowong also in the mix for the coveted double chance.
Ellinbank have been hit hardest with injury this year, and the fact the match is played at Trafalgar may swing the favouritism slightly to the Bloods.
Poowong will host Longwarry in an opportunity to further entrench itself in the top five and move clear of a fellow finals aspirant.
The Magpies were impressive in taking down Ellinbank last week, and will move eight points clear of the seventh-placed Crows should they continue that form.
For Longwarry, they will look for a response following a disappointing loss at home to Nyora last week. A victory here key in remaining in the finals race.
Buln Buln will travel to Lang Lang and will have to work hard to take the points.
The Tigers have been strong at home, and have plenty to play for, sitting one game outside the top five. Taking a big scalp will go a long way towards achieving their ambitions.
Buln Buln are in their own race, as they look to finish top three to secure the double chance.
The Lyrebirds best form should be too good, but they won't be able to afford to take the Tigers lightly.
Yarragon will gain another measure of its improvement when they travel to take on competition yardstick Neerim-Neerim South.
Currently two games outside the five, a loss here would make a push for the finals difficult for the Panthers, who will just hope for a competitive effort.
Expect the Cats to be too strong and continue their unbeaten run.
Nyora will host Catani as both sides relish an opportunity to celebrate another win.
The Saints have been building and, having accounted for Longwarry last week, will be favoured to make it back-to-back wins, although the Blues will also back themselves in.
Nilma-Darnum have the bye.