Systematic and methodical, Macedon senior footballers wrapped up third spot on the Riddell League ladder by defeating fifth-placed Melton South by 40 points at Tony Clarke Reserve on Saturday.
The Cats were runners-up to Riddell in a pulsating grand final in 2025, and they will now play sixth-placed Kyneton in an elimination final.
Reigning premiers Riddell bounced back after being thrashed by Diggers Rest and led throughout to outclass Romsey 23.8 (146) to 13.10 (88).
Mike Gray was dominant with seven goals, and irrepressible skipper Jack Jedwab kicked six for the Redbacks, who also had Corey Pertzel in fine form.
In an odd quirk, Riddell will play Melton South in the final home and away round, and then repeat the dose in an elimination final.
Having had an unfortunate run with injuries, including a season-ending one for playing coach Matt Darby, the Bombers anticipate being close to full strength in the finals as they embark on a campaign to make it three flags in succession.
Macedon coach Al Meldrum and club president Ron Rutledge were understandably pleased to get over the Melton South hurdle.
The Cats have been busy re-signing some of the club’s most valuable players to ensure they continue with being a leading side for some seasons ahead.
It’s a case of looking after both on-field and off-field priorities at Tony Clarke.
Versatility and teamwork is important, and the Cats realise they are not necessarily considered by many to be top contenders in 2026.
They led by 29 points at half-time on Saturday, and the contest was virtually over as they used the ball well to kick six goals straight in the third term.
Final scores were Macedon 18.10 (118) to Melton South 12.6 (78).
For the Cats, ultra-consistent Blake Watson kicked three goals, as did Sam Indian and Leigh Brennan, with proven big occasion forward Jason Cooke scoring two majors after six in the previous round.
Diggers Rest defeated Gisborne Giants 23.18 (156) to 12.9 (81) and are probably rated as co-flag favourites with Wallan.
Six goals to the Burras key forward Callum Moore makes him a strong favourite for the goalkicking title, though Wallan’s Lachlan Smart is still an outside chance.
Giants’ captain Brett Mangan continued his fine season up forward with eight of his side’s 12 majors.
Wallan simply had too much all-round strength for Kyneton, winning 17.25 (127) to 7.3 (45) at Magpieland.
Kyneton battled hard and trailed by 30 points at half-time, but class prevailed in the second half as the Magpies chalked up a 17.25 (127) to 7.3 (45) victory. The Magpies kicked eight goals to one in the final term.
Hamish Yunghanns continued his recent fine form for the Tigers, who now play close rivals Woodend-Hesket on the Hawks’ home ground on Saturday.
The sides guaranteed to play finals across the three grades will be looking for good workouts this Saturday.