by Davyd Reid
Ellinbank host Buln Buln in a top four clash in a round of Ellinbank District football that also includes an enticing mid-table clash between Nilma-Darnum and Longwarry.
The Eagles enter the clash with the Lyrebirds fresh from their second bye, looking to be the latest team to lay down the challenged to the undefeated ladder leaders.
Round 11 saw Ellinbank push Neerim-Neerim South into the final quarter, with the Cats in turn providing Buln Buln their greatest challenge yet last week.
This contest proves one of the key clashes in determining which sides can challenge the undefeated Lyrebirds and pose a threat in the finals.
FIFTH-PLACED Longwarry travel to take on sixth-placed Nilma-Darnum in an enticing mid-table clash.
The Crows could move three games clear and make any chase for a Bombers finals appearance difficult.
It shapes as a near must win for Nilma-Darnum to stay in the hunt. A victory would move the Bombers four points behind but with a significant percentage gap to consider.
TRAFALGAR will also look to remain in the hunt as they travel to Poowong.
Similar to Nilma-Darnum, the Bloods face a significant percentage gap to the fifth-placed Crows, but a victory here will keep them within two games.
That will give them some hope as they bring players back and look to match it with the top teams to give them every chance.
It won't come easy against a determine Poowong side which will have some confidence after running out big winner over Yarragon last week.
OTHER matches will see sides in the top four look to further consolidate.
LANG LANG moved back to second on the table following last week's victory over Trafalgar.
The Tigers will take on Nyora aiming to remain four points clear of the Cats.
NEERIM-NEERIM SOUTH meanwhile could move clear in third position should they account for Yarragon and the result between Buln Buln and Ellinbank fall to the favour of the Lyrebirds.
CATANI have the bye.