The Hawks signalled they have what it takes to go all the way after downing the former premiership favourites in stunning style, 16.12 (108) to 12.7 (79) at Lake Bolac.

The Pumas achieved a good start, Lachie Hamilton combining with Aaron McKinnis to produce back-to-back opening quarter goals.

The Hawks responded swiftly thanks to a good goal from Jake McCarthy from the boundary. John Butler featured in the team's next three goals before Pumas' Luke Thomas kicked one back.

There was just a point between the two teams at quarter time before a shootout took place in the second the Hawks and Pumas going goal-for-goal.

Pumas' Lachie Hamilton missed a crucial shot at goal after the halftime siren, and as a result his team trailed by five points at the main break.

"It was very much a finals' match for the first half, both teams matched up pretty well across the field," Tatyoon coach Jarrod Blandford said.

The premiership quarter was when it was run and won for Tatyoon with its players setting up a five goal to one quarter.

"I think our midfield started to work harder, we pressured the ball carrier a bit more and our midfielders managed to get on top," Blandford said.

Onballers Sean McDougall and Damian Cameron were incredibly important for the Hawks as they raced to a 31-point lead.

Two goals to open the final quarter saw the margin blow out to beyond 40 points, however three straight goals from the Pumas brought the margin back to within four goals.

A late major from the Hawks' Andy Maconachie put the 29-point result beyond salvageable for the Pumas.

Kye Chapple, who worked tirelessly in the midfield for the Hawks all day was again awarded best on ground for his performance.

For their crucial third term efforts McDougall and Cameron were also named in the best. Butler, a focal point up forward with five goals, also featured.

Despite the result being clearly in the Hawks' favour, Blandford said there is plenty the team can look towards improving ahead of the grand final.

"We need to lift our work rate, we need to sustain the pressure for longer periods of time than what we did at the weekend," he said.

Blandford believes his team played two and half quarters of solid football on Saturday, but would need to put in a four quarter effort on September 13.

"We went into the match knowing we could beat them, we beat them earlier in the season," he said.

"If we happen to come up against them in a fortnight's time and we don't beat them then Saturday's result stands for nothing."

Tatyoon played through the match without any injury concerns, Blandford welcoming the week's break.

"We played for a chance to get into the grand final and have the week off, it was certainly good to get the win," he said.

Daniel Guinane (four) and Aaron McKinnis (three) were pivotal up forward for the Pumas kicking seven of the team's 12 goals between them.

As a result Guinane was awarded best on ground honours, followed by Lynden Brewis, Ryley Hamilton, Josh Bywater, Matt Peel and Josh Day.

The loss serves as a wake up call for Moyston/Willaura which hadn't felt what it was like to be on the receiving end of a defeat since it first met Tatyoon in round four.

In the first semi final Penshurst recovered from 45 points down at half time against Hawkesdale/Macarthur, only to fall just four points short of a place in this weekend's preliminary final against the Pumas.

The fatigued Southern Eagles let slip a 34 point advantage at the final break, but held on to win 10.8 (68) to 9.10 (64).

In the reserves, similar to its seniors, Tatyoon has secured a place in the grand final after a six goal defeat of Hawkesdale/Macarthur.

A strong start put the team in good stead, Rhys Burger and Nathan Gannon among the best for the Hawks finishing in front 12.9 (81) to 5.15 (45).

The Southern Eagles now face Wickliffe/Lake Bolac in this weekend's preliminary final, after it disposed of Lismore/Derrinallum.

The Magpies bounced back from a 22-point deficit at quarter time to gain the ascendancy and run out winners, 13.15 (93) to 8.9 (57).

In the under 16s the Ararat Eagles have locked in a place in the grand final after their six goal defeat of Lismore/Derrinallum.

Moyston/Willaura will now line up against the Demons in this weekend's preliminary final after knocking Tatyoon out of the premiership race.