If Saturday’s Kyabram District League matches are anything to go by then we are in for one incredible finals series.
In the top-of-the-table bout, Nagambie ousted Murchison-Toolamba by a solitary point in what many will call one of the games of the season.
Despite trailing at every break the Lakers were able to run over the top of the Hoppers with a stirring five-goal final term which sealed a memorable 13.14 (92) 14.7 (91) triumph.
Brothers Blake and Nathan Fothergill were the standouts for Nagambie as they counter-punched the remarkable exploits of Hoppers forward James Lloyd who booted a game-high nine majors.
Lloyd’s teammates Kallyun Sanders, Josh Wild and James Milne were class contributors in the defeat.
The result has the Lakers put a gap between themselves and their next three rivals Lancaster, Murchison-Toolamba and fourth-placed Shepparton East.
Nagambie’s coach Tyrone Muir was pleased with his side’s effort in a significant match for the layout of the ladder.
“We’re obviously pretty happy with the result. It was a really important game and to get the win was good,” Muir said.
“Hopefully (we have) secured a top two finish, so that’s what we’ve been playing for all year.
“He (Nathan Fothergill ) was good and obviously a really important player for us. He and his brother Blake were instrumental in the win.
“We still need to win to cement our top spot, so we can’t take the game lightly. We have to go over to Avenel on the weekend and get the job done pretty much.”
Meanwhile, at Lancaster Recreation Reserve in the other top four clash, the host prevailed against Shepparton East by nine points.
Lancaster stars Cameron Simpson and Zac Cerrone led the way as the Wombats held an inaccurate Shepparton East at bay.
The Eagles were left ruing their chances after they kicked 4.9 after half-time in the 9.11 (65) to 7.14 (56) defeat.
Tyson Sidebottom booted three majors, while on-ballers Adem Barolli and Adam Fichera rounded out the top performers for East.
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Dish it off: Undera's Corey Reardon. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 5
Head over the ball: Tallygaroopna's Tim Karolidis. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 5
Down low: Undera's Logan Campbell. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 5
Strong grab: Tallygaroopna's Andrew Oldfield. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 5
On all fours: Tallygaroopna's Jesse Anderson-Clarke. Photo by Rechelle ZammitAt Undera a ferocious Tallygaroopna flexed its muscles to run out a 27.16 (178) to 10.5 (65) winner over the host.
Dylan Butcher starred with six majors, while Kian Wise and Tim Karolidis booted five goals each.
Dookie United and Stanhope claimed comfortable wins over Merrigum and Girgarre respectively.
Avenel squared off against Violet Town in the Sunday fixture.