MARONG is back at the head of the ladder after a 105-point win over Mitiamo, claiming top soot on percentage from Bridgewater, which had the bye last Saturday.
With one round left only a shock slip against Newbridge this weekend can stop the three-time reigning premiers from securing a week off when the finals begin.
Two consecutive losses to Bridgewater and Inglewood saw the Panthers drop to second, but after a bye in round 15 they have rebounded strongly.
Marong jumped the Superoos in the first quarter and led by 44 points, steadily increasing that margin throughout the afternoon.
An eight-goal last quarter sealed the big win.
Co-coach Kain Robins kicked six in a return to form, while best afield ruckman Michael Bradbury dominated the hit outs and also pushed forward to boot four goals.
Lachlan Lee, Shaun Knott, David Johnstone and last season’s best-and-fairest Matt Willox were also among the best players.
Coach Luke Lougoon, who was reappointed last week for next season, was Miti’s best, along with Matt Gilmour, Zach Morrison and Anthony Huismann.
Koby Galvin kicked two of the Superoos’ six goals on the day.
Marong travels to Newbridge and Mitiamo is at home to Bridgewater in the last round.
INGLEWOOD tuned up for the finals with a hard-fought win over Maiden Gully by 15 points.
The Eagles kicked six goals in the last quarter to give the Woodies a fright and ended with the same number of scoring shots.
Maiden Gully was left to rue poor kicking for goal in the 9.15 to 12.12 loss.
Inglewood’s fifth win in a row sets up an elimination final against Bears Lagoon Serpentine after a last-round bye.
The Woodies were missing key players in coach Fergus Payne, assistant coach Jackson Hood, captain Nathan Angelino and senior vice-captain Jackson Hood, with young star Gabe Nevins skippering the side.
Nevins rose to the occasion in a best-on-ground performance off half-back, highlighting his leadership potential.
Midfielder Bregon Cotchett continued his outstanding season with another fine game for Inglewood that included two goals, with Luke Matheson and Harry Veitch also prominent.
Seb Erharter kicked three goals to move to 59 for the season.
Maiden Gully, without co-coach Angus Monfries, struggled up forward until the last-quarter burst, but Tyler James kicked four in a good performance.
Daniel Russell, Anthony Robins, Mitch Hill and Grayson Brown also were among the best for the Eagles.
COMING off the bye, Pyramid Hill stormed back into form with a 118-point win over bottom side Calivil, ensuring the double chance in the finals.
Successive losses to Inglewood and Bridgewater before the bye had the Bulldogs looking over their shoulders at Bears Lagoon Serpentine in the battle for third spot.
However, the big win over the Demons at Calivil will have boosted the team’s confidence ahead of an almost certain clash against the Mean Machine in the first week of the finals.
The Bulldogs had 16 goals by half-time and never let Calivil off the hook, with another nine goals in the second half.
Harrison Goodes’ seven goals were enough to make him Pyramid’s best, while captain Stephen Gunther, and key recruits Kai Daniels and Archie Hildebrandt continued their strong seasons.
For Calivil, ruckman Jayden Leach was named as best player, supported by Anthony Dennis, Aiden Roulston and Josh Connolly.
Pyramid Hill hosts Maiden Gully in the final round, with Calivil at home to Bears Lagoon Serpentine.