A top of the table clash between Neerim-Neerim South and Trafalgar will headline round eight of Ellinbank District football.
With both sides boasting strength in attack and midfield, it promises to be an entertaining clash between two sides looking to establish themselves as breakaway contenders at the top of the table.
The Bloods present as the biggest challenge to date for the Cats, the visitors coming off consecutive wins after dropping the points to Buln Buln in a tight round five match.
A full four quarter effort will be required should Trafalgar take the points from the Cats for the first time this season.
The Cats have been slightly more dominant in their performances this season, and should enter as favourites at home.
Lang Lang will host Poowong while Longwarry will travel to Yarragon in matches that will play a major bearing on the makeup of the lower reaches of the top five.
The Tigers enter the match against the Magpies in good form, with a strong first half setting up victory over a Nyora side featuring former AFL Brownlow medallist Dane Swan, who inspired a second half competitive effort for the Saints.
Poowong have been thereabouts in matches against the leading sides, and sit one game outside the top five but with a healthy percentage. The Magpies boast a better percentage than sides above it in Ellinbank and Buln Buln.
Lang Lang should start favourite at home, but with evidence of some patchy form, expect a close contest.
Longwarry will look to consolidate its position in third, currently one game clear of their rivals.
To do so they must overcome a determined Yarragon team looking to keep in touch with the top five.
The Panthers have shown they have what it takes in patches, coming home strongly against Trafalgar a fortnight ago.
The Crows have been irresistible in matches at home with close wins over fellow aspirants Ellinbank and Buln Buln, and will look for an important victory away.
Buln Buln will welcome a return home to host a struggling Catani side.
Since its stunning win over Trafalgar a fortnight ago, the loss of coach Bob McCallum from the line up has coincided to losses to mid-table rivals.
The match against the Blues allows an opportunity to consolidate in the top five.
Ellinbank will look to continue their charge towards the top five when they travel to Nilma-Darnum.
Following an indifferent start to the season, the Bankers have returned to strong form to comfortably account for Buln Buln and Yarragon.
Expect the visitor to take away the points and an important percentage boost over a struggling Bombers outfit.
Nyora have the bye.
Games (at first named grounds) are: Neerim-Neerim South v Trafalgar; Lang Lang v Poowong, Nilma Darnum v Ellinbank, Yarragon v Longwarry; and Buln Buln v Catani. All games are scheduled for Saturday at 2.10pm.