Kyneton and Gisborne senior football teams found the going tough against respective opposition Eaglehawk and Sandhurst on Saturday.
On June 3 this season, Kyneton downed the Hawks on their own territory with an after-the-siren goal to Cameron Manuel, but it was a different story at the Showgrounds in the return bout.
Gearing up for the finals, the Hawks ran right away from the Tigers after half-time.
The home side could only manage one goal in the second half as the Hawks poured on the pressure.
The final margin was 87 points, with the visitors playing precision football that produced a 19.10 (124) to 5.7 (37) margin.
Despite the victory, Eaglehawk has not locked up third place on the ladder with tough matches against Golden Square and Sandhurst in the next two rounds.
In contrast, fourth-placed Strathfieldsaye should be able to account for Maryborough and Kyneton and will finished third if the Hawks stumble.
The Tigers had just two goalkickers, Manuel managed three and Ethan Foreman two.
Best players for the Tigers were listed as Bailey McGee, Hamish Yunghanns, Manuel, defender Harrison Huntley, Harrison Sheahan and James Orr.
Kyneton Reserves went down by 33 points, 10.9 to 5.6.
However, the young Tigers gave their supporters plenty to cheer about with a pleasing 10.10 to 6.1 victory, their sixth for the season.
The Tigers travel to Kangaroo Flat on Saturday hopeful of securing three victories.
GISBORNE AT QEO
Playing on the Queen Elizabeth Oval brought back memories of Gisborne’s come-from-behind 2022 premiership triumph.
Ultra-consistent Ruckman Braidon Blake was best afield in the grand final, and he was again the Bulldogs’ best on Saturday.
In the first half the Bulldogs stayed in touch and trailed by 11 points at the long break.
Ladder-leader Sandhurst stepped up the tempo in the second half and drew away to record a 13.13 (91) to 5.7 (37) victory.
In addition to Blake, the Bulldogs best were captain Jack Reaper, Matt Weber, Macklan Lord, Flynn Lakey and Liam Spear.
Gisborne Reserves went down by 18 points and seem destined to play Strathfieldsaye in the first semi-final.
In the Under 18s, Gisborne fought hard to retain top spot against third-placed Sandhurst.
The home side won by nine points and as a consequence, Golden Square moved into top place on the ladder on percentage from Gisborne.
The young Bulldogs are still a strong chance of repeating their 2022 premiership performance.
This Saturday Gisborne will play South Bendigo at Gardiner Reserve in their last home game of the year.
