The Lakies are the surprise packet of the Central Highlands Football League season thus far, with their flawless start to the campaign netting seven wins and second spot on the ladder.

But now comes the serious test.

Learmonth has already beaten three finalists from last year, but faces a run of games that could potentially stamp it as a serious premiership contender.

The Lakies meet the back-to-back grand finalists this weekend, before undefeated Bungaree, lowly Dunnstown and reigning premier Hepburn.

“It’s a massive three or four weeks,” joint coach Brenton Powell said.

“We have been building up a little bit and we’ve got a pretty tough month coming up. It will be good to see where we are at against a few of the top teams.”

Powell said he would hope to win at least two of the next four games and be really competitive in all others. Half-back Paul Rogan has been named to return to the side on Saturday in place of youngster Jackson Ford, who is injured.

Awaiting the Lakies this weekend is a Buninyong outfit that has lost just one home and away match since mid-way through 2012.

The Bombers – now third on the ladder – are coming off a hard win over Ballan before the competition bye and played arguably their best match of the season in beating Daylesford at home the match

before.

Selectors have made two changes to the team that beat the Blues, with Billy Jones and Sam James to come into the 22.

PREDICTION: Buninyong by three goals.