Final berths still on the line
It will be a final round of showdowns in West Gippsland football as teams jostle for finals positions on Saturday.
A Garfield victory in round 17 coupled with a Cora Lynn loss ensures Saturday’s contest between the sides will determine which side will advance into the finals.
Much interest will also be had in matches at Nar Nar Goon and Bass, with little percentage separating the Goon and Koo wee rup with the double chance on the line.
Stars still alive
Garfield kept its season alive with a comfortable victory over Korumburra-Bena, 1112 (78) to 4-9 (33).
The Stars kept the Giants goalless in the first term to race out to a 25-point lead and although the Giants closed the gap to just five-points at the half, the Stars were able to lead from start to finish.
Five goals to one in the final term saw the Stars finish strongly and set up an eliminator with Cora Lynn this week.
Tyler McDonald booted three goals, while Jayden Goumas, Michael Wallace, Daniel Johnson, Zac Soutar and Jonathan Sauze also helped the Stars maintain control.
Bulldogs secure chance
Phillip Island moved a step closer to securing the double chance with comfortable victory over Cora Lynn, 13-7 (85) to 4-8 (32).
Miserly defence saw the Bulldogs pull away after a tight start, restricting the Cobras to just four goals for the contest as they kicked away.
The result boosted hopes of a top three finish, with the Bulldogs holding a significant percentage point gap to rivals Nar Nar Goon and Koo wee rup.
Only an upset loss in the final home and away round will take it away from them.
The Cobras will now have to see off a challenge from Garfield to play finals.
Jaxon Briggs, Brady White, Tim Payne, Chase Blackwood, Jackson Dalton and Lochie Peluso were the better players up against a strong Phillip Island side.
Goon in the hunt
Nar Nar Goon kept its chances of a top three finish alive with comfortable victory over Koo wee rup, 17-8 (110) to 11-9 (75).
The Goon are now a chance to secure a qualifying finals berth over their rivals, pending results in the final round.
The Goon led from start to finish, with six goals to four in the first term pointing to a possible shootout.
The match tightened in the second term, with the Goon scoring the only two goals of the term.
Eight goals to four in an explosive third term set up a match winning lead for the Goon.
Troy McDermott kicked six goals, while Shannon Stocco chipped in with three majors.
Trent Armour, Brendan Hermann, Troy Toussaint, Matthew Stevens and Daniel Battaglin also helped the Goon make an explosive start.
Nathan Voss kicked four goals for the Demons, while Dominic Paynter, Brad Harding, Caleb Milojevic, Rory Connelly and Bailey Galante were also prominent.
Bunyip finish well
Bunyip scored a consolation victory over Dalyston as the Bulldogs look to next season with some positivity.
Despite trailing throughout the first half, the Bulldogs responded after half time with 13 goals to five to set up a big win, 16-12 (108) to 10-6 (66).
Six goals to two in the third term saw the Bulldogs take the lead in a sensational turn around, before continuing the momentum with seven goals in the final term.
Brent Heus and Jason Williams each kicked three goals, while Rickie Crockett, Brad Walker, Nathan Allen and Damien Szwaja also helped the Bulldogs charge to victory.
Sea Eagles win well
Reigning premier Inverloch-Kongwak easily accounted for Kilcunda-Bass.
The Sea Eagles scored consistently throughout and were barely troubled in disposing of the Panthers, 17-14 (116) to 4-5 (29).
The win moved the Sea Eagles a step closer to securing the minor premiership.