Three clubs, who all aspire to play finals football, take on a higher-ranked opponent on Saturday, in a round that will no doubt shape the rest of their season.
Beginning at the top, Murchison-Toolamba gets a crack at the competition's ladder-leader — in what is billed as the match-of-the-round.
The Hoppers, currently in third spot, have two losses in 2021, but expect Nick Iorianni's side to be no pushover on its home ground against Lancaster.
And it enters this match at full steam following an emphatic performance against Tallygaroopna.
Former Euroa talent Brad Cunningham booted seven majors for the Hoppers in what was only his second appearance of the campaign.
Josh Wild has strung together some solid form in recent weeks, while Ashton Cashion was red-hot with six goals.
Lancaster, boasting the likes of Tom Davies, Zac Cerrone, James Ross and Billy Ryan, will be more than a handful for the Hoppers.
Merrigum plays host to unbeaten Avenel in what is another important contest for the Bulldogs.
The hosts went down by 35 points last week to Nagambie.
Scoring has not been an issue for Steve Lawlor's men, with the Bulldogs ranked first in the competition for points scored.
Gun forward Josh Smith is the danger man for the home side and has 38 majors to his name.
But they are up against a classy outfit.
Girgarre coach Billy Barnes revealed during the week what he thought of the Swans.
“I rate them as the best side we have played this season,” Barnes said.
Meanwhile, Dookie United will be eyeing off an upset win.
The Thunder have hosting duties against powerhouse Nagambie and a win would catapult them back inside the top six.
The Lakers have welcomed former Tatura coach and star midfielder Jamason Daniels, who will be one the home side must try and stop.
Former Shepparton premiership player Rhys O'Sullivan played his first match of the season last weekend and is a handy inclusion in the Thunder's line-up.
And Rushworth has a chance to keep its season alive.
The Tigers, despite sitting in 11th spot, are only eight points away from the top six and welcome seventh-ranked Violet Town.
With a bye still to come, a win here would breath fire back into their season.
Former AFL player Daniel Harris has been in good nick whenever he fronts up for his old club and the Towners will be on their toes.
But if the home side is to be any chance, it must find a way to combat the might of leading goal-kicker Josh Mellington (57 goals).
Undera gets a chance to clinch its second scalp of the season.
The Lions take a short trip down the road to take on Ardmona, which is also gunning for a second crack at singing the team song.
It has been a tough run for the Lions since their opening round win.
Darron Batties’ outfit has faced six of the top seven teams following that victory and expect it to be champing at the bit for another triumph.
Stanhope and Shepparton East will pack the away shorts for their matches against Longwood and Tallygaroopna respectively.
It should be a happy road trip for both sides as they take on the competition's two bottom-ranked outfits.
Girgarre has the bye.
More local sport
Nathalia duo named joint winners of NCWL best-and-fairest
Victoria's under-16 basketball teams playing the Waight-ing game
Rance ready to roar | Seymour expecting former AFL star to run out
7°C