Dusties juniors out of finals
The Warragul Industrials fourths premiership dream came to an end over the weekend as they went down in a thriller against Korumburra-Bena.
The Dusties were valiant in their efforts for much of the day but just couldn't quite get over the line, going down 5.0 (30) to 5.5 (35).
In what was a low-scoring affair, each and every goal was of absolute importance. William Brewer was the Dusties' best in this regard, booting three, while Zac Tepper, Campbell Gibbons and Tom Logan were all excellent.
Going into the final term nine points down, the Dusties fought hard for every ball but were just unable to find themselves on the right side of the score at the final siren.
Given the club had been lacking a junior contingent for some time now and the fourths side has a significant number of bottom-aged players, however, the semi final finish would still have club figures pleased at their future prospects.
Korumburra-Bena's best players were Zachary Barrett, Tarkyn Walker, Bryce Riddell and Ben Fort.
In the other semi final it was Phillip Island that prevailed against Inverloch-Kongwak 3.6 (24) to 2.3 (15). Phillip Island has progressed to the fourths grand final as a result, while Inverloch-Kongwak will play off against Korumburra-Bena for the other spot.
Garfield's thirds side stayed alive in their race for the flag, thanks to a solid win over Cora Lynn.
The Stars set up the win with an impressive first half that saw them kick six goals to the Cobras' one. The contest evened up from that point on, but ultimately Garfield did more than enough to see themselves through to next week's preliminary final as they won 10.4 (64) to 6.8 (44).
Will Pickering, John Zaccari and Charlie Fitzpatrick were the pick of the bunch for the Stars, while Jake Van Den Berghe booted five goals in a stirring performance despite playing above his age bracket.
The Cobras, for their part, were cursed by their inability to vary up their avenues to goal. Max McDermott ended up being their only goalkicker for the day, scoring each of their six goals.
In the other thirds final on the weekend, Inverloch-Kongwak claimed a heartstopper against Tooradin-Dalmore 7.8 (50) to 7.4 (46). Garfield will now meet Tooradin-Dalmore next week, with the winner to play Inverloch-Kongwak in the grand final.
Bunyip's reserves side had their season come to an end on Sunday as they were bundled out by Koo wee rup.
The Bulldogs were unable to kick a single goal in the first half, and though their endeavour improved in the second half the Demons' lead proved too significant to overcome.
Ben Stewart, Jason Williams and Blake Cann were all solid for Bunyip but it mattered little in the 3.5 (23) to 7.7 (49) loss.
Riley Battams, David Ramos, Jason Stokkel and Troy Dolan were best on for Koo wee rup.
In the other reserves final Tooradin-Dalmore proved much too strong for Nar Nar Goon as they won 14.10 (94) to 3.5 (23). The Seagulls have been the dominant team throughout the reserves season, having destroyed just about every team that's come their way.
Next week's preliminary final will be Nar Nar Goon against Koo wee rup, with the winner to take on the difficult task of challenging Tooradin-Dalmore in the grand final.