Big wins for Warragul and Drouin youth
Drouin's thirds took another important step towards playing finals this year as they defeated Bairnsdale.
With the Redlegs currently sitting inside the top five, the sixth-placed Hawks struck a vital blow in the finals race as they won 10.4 (64) to 6.6 (42).
The win brings them even on points with both Bairnsdale and Traralgon, meaning they are now outside the top five by a very small difference in percentage.
Benjamin Brasier continued his fantastic form in the forward line by kicking four goals, bringing his total over the past three games to 15, while Darcy Spratt, Bethune Flynn and Cody Fleming were all strong.
The Hawks set up the victory thanks to a blistering first term that saw them kick 5.1 while holding the home side totally scoreless. From there, the Redlegs clicked into gear and worked their way into the contest, but could never find the lead as Drouin recorded their ninth win of the year.
While Drouin still need to find a way to break into the upper echelon of the ladder, their final three games will involve two games against sides well outside the top five, leaving their fate very much in their own hands.
In other thirds results, Leongatha forfeited against Warragul, Maffra won a thriller over Morwell 8.8 (56) to 8.6 (54), Traralgon overcame Wonthaggi 10.11 (71) to 8.8 (56) and Moe defeated Sale 12.12 (84) to 7.7 (49).
Warragul's fourths bounced back from their loss last week to defeat Leongatha and further entrench themselves into third spot.
The Gulls overcame a slow start to overcome and eventually overrun the Parrots 8.8 (56) to 6.6 (42).
Having kicked just one goal to half time and trailing by 18 points, Warragul roared to life in the second half, booting seven goals to two to seal the victory.
Alby Phillips continued his wonderful season by kicking three goals, as Oliver Wilson, Harrison Cant and Lucas Carter were all influential in the closing stages of the game to help their team get over the line.
The result now means the lowest the Gulls can finish is third, and they'll certainly be keen to try and push their way even further up the table.
It was a similarly successful day for Drouin's fourths, demolishing Bairnsdale to make their way into the top five.
With the Redlegs sitting two points above the Hawks prior to the game, the 12.10 (82) to 6.1 (37) win saw them move up into a finals position at their opponents' expense.
Kaden Gregg booted five goals to earn beston-ground honours, while Rylie Baker, Brodie Atkins and Kaiden Walmsley were all strong.
The Hawks were solid all day, increasing their lead with every quarter and never truly looking in much danger of losing.
And, with a run home that includes two sides well outside the top five, they'll be liking their chances of making an impact come finals time.
Elsewhere in the fourths, Sale beat Moe 7.5 (47) to 6.5 (41), Maffra obliterated Morwell 21.11 (137) to 2.2 (14) and Traralgon had the bye.
Warragul's reserves looked on the verge of the upset of the season, before falling away in the second half in their match against Leongatha.
Playing against the top team who up until now have lost just one match and destroyed just about every other team, the Gulls played some great football early to lead at quarter time and only just barely trail at half time.
From there though, the experience of the Parrots took over, allowing them to win 12.2 (74) to 4.4 (28).
William Cole, Jordan Murphy, Liam Gilliam and Tom Carpenter were all great for the Gulls, who were overwhelmed in a second half where they managed just one goal to Leongatha's eight.
Drouin's reserves went down for another sizeable loss, this time to Bairnsdale.
Playing in a game where the lack of Drouin players forced the match to be played at 14 players a side, the Hawks were never really in the contest, losing 6.4 (40) to 17.7 (109).
Noah Jarred, Regan Hodge and Ross Stapleton were among the better players for the Hawks.