Places in grand final up for grabs

The first place in the Ellinbank District Football League grand final will be up for grabs on Saturday as the race for the premiership becomes down to four.

Top teams Nyora and Longwarry have been a cut above this season and that trend continued in Saturday’s qualifying final at Ellinbank, the Crows kicking away to defeat Warragul Industrials by 40-points.

The Crows have been competitive in their matches against the Saints this season and will back themselves to take the next step.

The Crows had run the Saints within five points in their first meeting this season, although they were assisted by a Nyora player being sent off in a key moment.

In their return encounter, a scoreless third term proved costly as it gave the Saints the break they needed.

Two losses this season shows the Saints are beatable, and while they haven’t achieved it this season the Crows willl give themelves everychance at Darnum on Saturday.

The Saints will enter well rested after a week off that followed the final home and away round against Poowong, where word was the Saints took it easy.

Warragul Industrials will aim to bounce back when they play a resugent Poowong in a do or die first semi final at Buln Buln on Sunday.

The Magpies were far too quick for reigning premier Catani on Sunday, putting a premature end to the Blues’ premiership defence.

Still to welcome Ben Hancock back into the team, the Magpies could be a real threat.

With both teams strong with their run and carry, it sets up an enthralling contest. Second semi final at Darnum: Seniors: Nyora v Longwarry Reserves: Longwarry v Warragul Industrials U18: Neerim-Neerim South v Catani U16: Warragul Industrials v Longwarry First semi final at Buln Buln: Seniors; Warragul Industrials v Poowong Reserves: Ellinbank v Catani U18: Buln Buln v Poowong U16: Poowong v Ellinbank.