Tatyoon will be fighting to keep its season alive when it faces Penshurst in an elimination final at Derrinallum on Sunday.

The Hawks finished in fifth position, meaning if they do not beat the Bombers in the first week of finals, their premiership defence will be over.

The reigning premiers rested some key players for the round 17 match against Moyston-Willaura and will be a lot stronger on paper when they return for the sudden death final.

Tatyoon coach Adrian Pilgrim said it is do or die for the team’s season on Sunday afternoon.

“We would try and prepare every week to set ourselves up to be in the right frame of mind but this week is it for us,” he said.

“The Bombers do have the capacity to find another gear and any side that has dangerous forwards are capable of scoring quickly and open the match up quickly.

“So it will be a matter of making sure our match-ups are right, reducing their supply and hopefully getting some goals from our midfielders will help as well.”

Tatyoon is expected to welcome back five or six key players into its line-up for the match which will strengthen the team across ground.

Lismore-Derrinallum v Wickliffe-Lake Bolac

The Hawks’ 2016 grand final opponent Wickliffe-Lake Bolac will be in action on Saturday when it faces Lismore-Derrinallum in the qualifying final at Caramut.

The Magpies have built themselves into some strong form in the second half of the season but the Demons will not be an easy task, having lost just two games for the year.

The winner of the match will get next week off and move to within one game of a grand final berth.

Magpies coach Joe Otto said he is looking forward to the test against one of the best teams of the season.

“We are looking good, this time is always tough with decisions to make but we have the majority of players available which is always pleasing,” he said.

The Demons’ scoring efficiency has taken a blow with star forward Ryan Elliot set to miss the match, forcing the Demons to come up with other ways of kicking a winning score.

“Ryan Elliot is a terrific player, so him being out will definitely hurt their forward structure but they still have other avenues towards goal,” Otto said.

“I think it will be quite tight and contested, especially early on then it might open up a bit but our win against against Moyston-Willaura would have given them confidence to show we can match it with the top teams in the league.”

The loser of the final will face the winner of the Penshurst v Tatyoon game in a semi-final on September 3.

Both finals matches are scheduled for a 2.15pm start across the two days.