by Davyd Reid
FOUR teams in the Ellinbank District football top five will face off against each other in an enthralling round five.
Two of the bigger improvers in season 2024 will put each other to the test when top of the table Lang Lang host fifth-placed Nilma-Darnum.
With the Tigers recruiting well in an attempt to return to finals action, the home side enters the contest following a strong start that sees them undefeated.
While bigger tests will arguably come, Lang Lang have comfortably accounted for potential mid-table rivals Trafalgar and Longwarry in the opening rounds, as well as dispatching of lower ranked opposition.
The Tigers should start favorite at home, but a rejuvenated Bombers could challenge them.
Having entered the season with hopes of just winning a match, the Bombers have exploded onto the scene with vastly improved ball movement and skills helping them start the season with two wins from three.
Nilma-Darnum challenged Longwarry in patches and will look to this contest as another measuring stick of where they are at.
NEERIM-NEERIM SOUTH host Longwarry in another huge match between the third and fourth ranked sides.
Any thoughts of a potential slide from the Cats have been put on hold for now after they responded from an opening round loss to the reigning premier to win the next three on the trot.
That run included a gritty win over fellow finals aspirant Trafalgar in round three.
The most talk has been around the improvement of Longwarry, who have dropped just the one game to the undefeated Lang Lang.
The Crows, who entered the season hopeful of a return of finals, should get an indication of if they may challenge further in this match against the Cats.
With the home side still boasting some firepower, the Crows will be hoping to avoid a high-scoring shootout like last week's match against Poowong.
THE challenges continue for Trafalgar, who travel to take on firm favorite Buln Buln.
The Bloods have endured the most difficult draw to begin the season, starting with the much-improved Lang Lang before a run of three consecutive games against 2023 finalists.
Injuries to key players didn't help the cause last week as Trafalgar suffered a comfortable loss to Ellinbank to slip to eighth.
While the draw will open up for them in coming weeks, it's a long way back from one win and a lowly percentage of 73.
The Bloods will hope to at least get within striking distance of the impressive Lyrebirds, before aiming to build percentage in the coming weeks.
ELLINBANK will look to continue its strong form and push back into the top five when they host Nyora.
Only an opening round bye and a loss to Buln Buln have hindered Ellinbank's start, which currently sees them in sixth albeit only outside the five on percentage.
A high turnover of players has seen Nyora struggle this season and Ellinbank would be expected to build on their already healthy percentage of 136.
One the Saints will need to watch is Mick Urie, who much like his ute signage suggests is also "building" into some form on the field, coming off a three-goal haul against Trafalgar.
POOWONG will host Catani in what shapes as another good contest.
The Magpies sit seventh and will hope for another boosting win to keep in touch. Having slipped to 1-3, Poowong sit two games and percentage outside of the five.
They won't want to slip any further behind, but contend a Blues outfit looking to improve.
YARRAGON have the bye.