Terrific young Gulls topple top team
Warragul's thirds claimed a significant win over the weekend as they toppled top team Maffra.
The Gulls, having gone undefeated through their previous four matches, were just too strong all over the ground as they won 9.3 (57) to 3.3 (21).
Kai MacLean was once again a standout, kicking three goals to lead all comers, while Luke Garner, Tom Stern and Rhys Galvin were all strong.
After a tight opening term, the defence of Warragul stood strong, keeping Maffra totally goalless through the second and third terms. They piled on five goals in that same time to break the game wide open.
The win now means that while the Eagles remain on top and Warragul second, both of Maffra's two losses this year have been resounding defeats to the Gulls, holding them in good stead for finals.
Drouin's thirds found similar success, making it seven straight wins as they thumped Morwell.
The Hawks jumped out to an early lead against the Tigers and never looked back, eventually winning 9.7 (61) to 3.8 (26).
Jacob Kleeven and Noah Rogers both booted two goals each, while Thomas Young, Aedan Rothmeier and Zayne Atkins were all strong.
With one game remaining, the Hawks appear to be on a collision course with Warragul in the first week of finals, setting up a potential Western Derby in the most cutthroat of circumstances.
In other thirds results, Moe thumped Leongatha 12.13 (85) to 3.4 (22), Traralgon overcame Sale 6.12 (48) to 2.9 (21) and Bairnsdale won over Wonthaggi by a forfeit.
Drouin's fourths were in as fine form as the thirds, thumping the bottom-placed Morwell.
Playing against a side that has not come close to tasting victory all year, the Hawks did exactly what was expected and needed, winning 10.14 (74) to 2.4 (16).
Kaden Gregg kicked yet another handful with four goals, bringing his tally over his last three games to 14.
Elsewhere on the ground, Rylie Baker, Brodie Atkins and William Young were among the better players in a relatively dominant win that never had Drouin looking particularly challenged at any point.
Warragul's fourths weren't so lucky, losing a tight one in their game against Maffra.
After being down - and seemingly out - for much of the game and 30 points behind at three quarter time, the Gulls put on a spirited fightback in the final term to push the Eagles. They ultimately fell short 7.6 (48) to 8.10 (58).
Oliver Wilson, Bailey Rainford and Harrison Cant were among the better players for the Gulls, while Jasper Alger, Heath Jinks and Riley Senini all kicked two goals.
With one round remaining, it now appears extremely likely the Gulls will rematch Maffra in week one of finals, leaving them with plenty to ponder and work on between then and now.
In other fourths results, Leongatha beat Moe 12.7 (79) to 5.5 (35), the match between Sale and Traralgon had to be abandoned in the second quarter due to lightning leading to no result, and Bairnsdale had the bye.
Drouin's reserves were spirited but ultimately outmatched, falling against Morwell 3.2 (20) to 9.15 (69).
A goal towards the end of the third quarter brought the Hawks within three goals and seemingly in the game, before Morwell steadied to push the margin well beyond Drouin's reach.
Steven Wright, Noah Jarred, Rhys Fairlie and Harrison McConnell were some of Drouin's better players.
Warragul's reserves had a dirty day at the office as they were totally outmatched, outworked and outplayed by Maffra.
The Gulls were nowhere near the skill of their highly-ranked opponents, failing to kick a score until the fourth term in the 1.0 (6) to 16.11 (107) defeat.
Youngster Kai MacLean was a highlight, while Bernard Laverty, Tyron Lord and Tyson Makai were some of the more solid players in a day to forget for the side.
Elsewhere in the reserves, it overall wasn't a day for close results as Leongatha obliterated Moe 23.13 (151) to 0.2 (2), Wonthaggi annihilated Bairnsdale 18.16 (124) to 0.0 (0) and Sale beat Traralgon 7.7 (49) to 2.7 (19).