KDL: Round 17 football preview

Only one game separates sixth-placed Lancaster and Undera (eighth), with Merrigum (seventh) 13 per cent behind the Wombats.

Kicking off the crucial round of games is Shepparton East and Undera at Central Park.

This is a do-or-die game for the Lions, with how everything is shaping up for the final round, Mick Kyle's men will need to record a big win to boost their percentage.

However, Shepparton East has progressed in leaps and bounds this season, with the performance of its young crop of players.

Undera's Shaun Wilson and Brenton Campbell were held goalless last weekend in the loss to Stanhope and will no doubt be wanting to improve on their individual season hauls.

Elsewhere, Merrigum needs to win in its home clash against Murchison-Toolamba to feature in finals action.

The Bulldogs are coming off a great win against Girgarre, with youngster Jack Sinclair best-on in his 50th senior game.

But the Grasshoppers have won their past six matches and will make sure they can continue their impressive run for finals without any hiccups.

Avenel needs a percentage boosting win against Dookie United to be any chance of grabbing second spot off Nagambie.

Swans champion Michael Tinkler continues to impress and showcase his versatility, coming off a three-goal and best afield performance against Violet Town.

Dookie United is back out on the field and Brendan McMullan will be hoping his side can produce some strong efforts in the final fortnight of the season.

At the home of the Wombats, Lancaster is set to welcome struggling outfit Ardmona.

Lancaster remains inside the top-six, but with who makes finals coming down to percentage, the Wombats will look to forward Billy Ryan to have a big game.

Ardmona went down last week to the Towners, but will take positives from the performance of Isaac Handy and Tyler Lackmann.

Rushworth will be hoping it can continue its great effort before the bye against Girgarre when it takes on Longwood.

Gun midfielder Isaac Johnson kicked five goals in the 13-point loss and has now kicked 34 goals from his eight games. 

Longwood had a tough day out against Stanhope before the bye, however, Julian Ross and Nathan Watson have shown encouraging signs for the Redlegs.