by Davyd Reid
POTENTIAL ladder defining contests headline round 18 of Ellinbank District football on Saturday, with fifth-placed Poowong to host sixth-placed Lang Lang while third-placed Neerim-Neerim South host fourth-placed Trafalgar.
With difficult match ups against Neerim-Neerim South and Ellinbank to follow, Lang Lang needs to win away from home to be any chance of displacing the fifth-placed Magpies.
On the flip side, Poowong have matches against Yarragon and Nilma-Darnum to come, putting them in the box seat after a final quarter charge helped them to victory over Longwarry last week.
Currently inside the top five on percentage, the Magpies will be looking to go a step closer to securing another finals appearance in front of their sponsors at home.
HAVING long been on the hunt to regain a top three position, Neerim-Neerim South finally achieved it last week with a strong victory over Ellinbank.
The Cats were simply too quick for an undermanned Eagles outfit, moving two points and significant percentage ahead of the Bloods, who had the bye.
The Cats, who are shaping as a genuine premiership chance alongside Buln Buln, will be out to continue their strong form and move a step closer to securing the double chance.
For the Bloods, an opportunity presents to show they can still challenge the top teams and be around the mark come season end.
BULN BULN will look to secure the minor premiership with victory over Nilma-Darnum.
The Lyrebirds enter the round three games clear on top with three rounds to play, with a victory over the Bombers to put it beyond doubt.
While a Nilma-Darnum side inspired by the presence of Nathan Buckley almost got over the line a fortnight ago, the Lyrebirds are the most difficult prospect in the competition.
Expect Buln Buln to win and secure passage straight through to the second semi in week two of the finals.
ELLINBANK will look for a response when they host Longwarry.
The Eagles will look to overcome their disappointing loss at Neerim South and rediscover the form that has them as a current top three side.
They will need to be weary of a building Longwarry side who were competitive for three and half quarters last week.
Expect Ellinbank to comfortably account for the Crows on their home deck.
NYORA will host Yarragon in a contest between two sides now playing for pride.
With matches against Poowong and Neerim-Neerim South to follow, the contest shapes as the best chance for the Panthers to add another win to their tally.
Yarragon will need to be weary of the fact the Saints are a more difficult prospect at home.
Following last week's disappointing loss to fellow lower table rival Catani, the Panthers will hope to add another win to build some confidence following their first season under new coach Jordan Wyatt.
CATANI have the bye.