Reigning premier and champion Wickliffe Lake Bolac has failed to make finals by two premiership points, and the final five teams are happy to have the Magpies finish sixth.
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Penshurst finished minor premier, losing only two games for the season. It's now a strong contender for premiership honours after handing out a 54-point hiding to second-placed Lismore Derrinallum.
Great Western, in third, holds early favouritism for a major finals berth but was totally outclassed by the Magpies, who put on an exhibition game of how to play Aussie Rules. The 136-point thumping handed out by the Magpies must dent the confidence of Western's qualifying final attack this week. Better players for the Magpies were Harley Hunter, young gun Nic Chirnside and Brock Wardlaw with nine goals. Westerners Andrew Cameron, Jayden McCartney and Jaiden Raeck were better players in the losing side.
Qualifying finalists Lismore Derrinallum and Great Western will need to produce improved performance to provide supporters with confidence to their club making an entry into the grand final. Both clubs were overwhelmingly outplayed - Lismore Derrinallum failed to win a quarter against the minor premier Penshurst. Better players were Ben Hunt (seven goals), Nathan Rentsch and Chay Deary. Lismore Derrinallum's better players were Lachlan Bryant, Thomas Millard and Michael Lockyer. Great Western and Penshurst will meet in the reserves qualifying final.
Tatyoon will face Mortlake Woorndoo in the elimination final at Dunkeld on Sunday. Mortlake Woorndoo will make a finals appearance after 16 years in the wilderness and may become the big surprise of the season. Forward Jordon Dunkley was seeking six goals to reach a century for the season but missed by three goals. Never underestimate the might of Tatyoon come finals time - it would be no surprise if Tatyoon ends up narrow winner of this final. The Hawks handed out a 94-point lesson to near neighbours SMW Rovers, easily winning every quarter by clear margins.
In other games, Hawkesdale Macarthur ended a mediocre season by overcoming Moyston Willaura by 22 points in a low scoring, hard slog of a game, their fourth win of the season.
Caramut had a decisive win over the Ararat Eagles with both clubs seeking greater support, a stronger playing list and an assessment to their future viability for the betterment of community football in the area.
SELECTIONS
Qualifying Final at Willaura, Saturday
Seniors: Lismore Derrinallum v Great Western
Reserves: Great Western V Penshurst
Elimination Final at Dunkeld, Sunday
Seniors: Tatyoon v Woorndoo Mortlake
Reserves: SMW Rovers v Woorndoo Mortlake
The MDFL has announced the preliminary final will be played at Mininera and the grand final at Lake Bolac.