The Magpies knocked last year's premiers out of finals contention with a hard fought 16 point win.

The competition's leaders were challenged early with both teams going goal for goal in the first quarter.

The Magpies built on a nine point lead at the first change by applying pressure across the oval in the second quarter that kept their opponents scoreless.

In an almost complete reversal of form after halftime the Bombers were back on their game kicking four goals to the Magpies' three behinds.

Just two goals separated the teams going into the last quarter.

Each team managed three of their own goals in the final term, the Magpies holding on to win 12.15 (87) to 11.5 (71).

Magpies' coach Nick Willox said they did well to hold last year's premiers at bay.

"They threw all they had at us, they kept coming, kept trying because as last year's premiers they are still a quality team," he said.

"But we played our own game and were able to weather it in the end."

Willox said the conditions again suited best on ground Aaron Stewart in his role as a contested onballer.

He said Michael Otto again performed well off the half back line.

Jason Quinlivian, Andrew Lord, Michael Blackburn and Lachlan Kelly were also named in the best for their efforts.

Willox said they will use the week off to rest a few bodies affected by the heavy ground a lot of players have endured over the last month.

He said they'll be working on continuing to improve their ball use and decision making.

"In finals the intensity and the pressure always goes up, so we have to make sure we are switched on," he said.

Willox said young guns James and Josh Keys had improved over the course of the season while the backline had performed solidly.

The Magpies won 17 of their 18 matches this season, only falling to Moyston/Willaura by three points in round 12.

Tatyoon locked in fourth spot on the ladder after it posted an emphatic 174 point win over Ararat.

The Hawks gave very little away over the four quarters of football, piling on 10 first quarter goals and keeping the Eagles scoreless.

Ararat hit the scoreboard in the second term with one major, but by halftime the discrepancy between the two teams had blown out to 92 points.

Andrew Maconachie was again a standout for the Hawks as they kicked a further 14 second half goals to finish 30.17 (197) to 3.5 (23).

Aidan Bell was dominant in the forward line for the home side with 14 goals by the final siren and best on ground to his name.

Mitch Cronin, Daniel Dalton and John Butler were also multiple goal kickers who combined to help produce the tally of 30 goals.

Thomas Crabtree, Julian Sambell and Jack Fraser were also named in the best.

Ararat coach Nathan Weymess said it was a very challenging end to the season for his team.

"We had so many injuries, so many unavailabilities that selecting a team became really tricky," he said.

"With at least six or seven changes every game getting a firm, secure line-up was impossible."

Weymess, who succumbed to a groin strain early in the match, was joined by Brent Bulger at full forward.

"It became really difficult in windy conditions, we were lacking rotations and the personnel," he said.

"The guys fought it right out, realistically we were never really going to be in the contest but I told the guys to fight it out as best they could, and they did.

"I wasn't unhappy with the performance, they showed spirit and fight under difficult circumstances."

Weymess said Brian Jenkins ran, fought and contested the ball well all day.

He said best on ground Tom Taurau continued to show the form that will see him eventually move onto bigger and better things.

"Just his ability, hunger, commitment and determination will see him play football beyond the Mininera league," he said.

Simon Alexander, Jarred Alexander, James Dalkin and Chris Dahlstrom were also named in the best.

Weymess said in 2014 strengthening the midfield will be a key component.

"We can bring in new players who can make a difference but you only have to look at Lake Bolac this year as an example of what you can do," he said.

"They bought in new blood but it was the existing players that showed most of the improvement.

"We have the players who have all put their hand up to improve because they want to and that is really positive."

Moyston/Willaura denied SM&W Rovers a finals berth by inflicting a 62 point defeat, its second loss in as many weeks.

Pumas' coach Daniel Guinane said his team put together another really good four quarter effort.

"Our guys took advantage of the miserable conditions and got a few goals on the board early and our defenders were sensational," he said.

The Pumas built on a six goal lead at the main break and didn't give anything away in the second half.

"I really told the guys to put the foot down further and further in preparation for the type of footy we'll need to be playing in finals," Guinane said.

Trent Fiscalini was awarded best on ground for this efforts in the backline, while Josh Price was solid on the ball and up forward all day.

Nic Corbett, Rhys Cronin, John Vanderwaal and Phil Brady were also named in the best for their efforts.

SM&W Rovers' coach Rhys Cahir said the 13.9 (87) to 3.7 (25) result was disappointing but his team was always going to be up against it.

"Both teams had a fair bit to play for and they were just way too good," he said.

"It was pretty even for the first 10 to 15 minutes, but they got some early goals and controlled the midfield."

Cahir said the Bulldogs had a bit more of a crack after halftime, but the damage was already done.

"Nic Byrne was again by far the best he tried all day. Ricky Coyle and Tim Cleeland also worked hard," he said.

Jonathan Box, Dermott Tebb and Shaun Liston were also named among the best for their performances for the Bulldogs.

Guinane said the Pumas go into next week's qualifying final against Glenthompson/Dunkeld in very good form.

"We had that lull about a month ago, but now hopefully we'll get another two guys back for finals and that is a good problem to have," he said.

Guinane said playing with and for each other will be important during the finals.

"Just our intensity over the footy, we'll have to be on from the outset, playing as a group of 21, not individuals," he said.

Great Western's season finished on a disappointing note, the Lions slumping to a 74 point defeat at the hands of Lismore/Derrinallum.

With several key players missing through injury and others through unavailability, it was a tough finish to the season for the Lions even at home.

The Demons cleared the ball from the centre with ease early, allowing the forwards to convert on goal.

The Lions were down and out by the first change, seven goals behind going into the second quarter.

Lachie Green, Lachie Malloy, BJ Burton and Ben O'Neill responded through the middle of the ground in the second term winning a lot of the contested ball and reducing the Demons' scoring opportunities.

The home side almost matched it with the Demons when it came to number of goals kicked but the margin grew to 56 points by the main break.

Lismore/Derrinallum regained momentum in the third quarter and again took control of the match.

The Lions were left without a bench for most of the second half with Glen Walker suffering a hamstring complaint, Tim Hollis injuring his shoulder and Ben Iseppi hurting his calf.

Ben Newson rucked tirelessly for the Lions while Adam Bullock put in a big performance in defence and captain Brett Dowie led by example.

Coach Nick Thomas said while it was disappointing to lose the team had shown improvement and a lot of promise over the duration of the season.

In other results Hawkesdale/Macarthur guaranteed itself a finals spot with a 52 point win over Caramut.

Glenthompson/Dunkeld's 159 point thrashing of Woorndoo/Mortlake was merely a formality for the third placed Rams.

Qualifying final (August 24) at Tatyoon: Moyston/Willaura v Glenthompson/Dunkeld

Elimination final (August 25) at Great Western: Tatyoon v Hawkesdale