There was no fairy tale ending for Melton South and Melton in the Ballarat Football League.
Both sides harboured finals’ dreams for the final round, but two losses meant their seasons came to an end on Saturday.
After claiming a win in the Melton derby last round, the Panthers needed to defeat Darley and hope that Lake Wendouree accounted for East Point.
Lake Wendouree did its part, but it didn’t matter as the Panthers were unable to overcome the Devils.
The Devils led by nine points at quarter-time and extended the lead in every quarter to seal victory, 21.4 (130)-9.13 (67).
Panthers co-coach Brendan Fevola kicked four goals, while Mark Lynch was named their best.
The Panthers finished the season eighth, percentage outside the top six.
Leigh Spiteri kicked seven goals in a best-on-ground performance for the Devils. The win sealed third spot for the side, which was knocked out in the first week of the finals last year.
The Devils will face North Ballarat City in an elimination final, after City defeated Melton on Saturday.
Both teams were still fighting for a finals’ spot, but required East Point and Melton South to loss on Saturday.
The Bloods had the early lead, before City gained the upper hand in the second quarter.
They extended the lead to 28 points at the last break. Despite the Bloods outscoring them in the final quarter, City had done enough to win 15.17 (107)-13.6 (84).
Angus Grigg kicked five goals for the Bloods, who finish a game and percentage outside the top six in ninth position.
Bacchus Marsh’s hopes of a minor premiership were dashed with a final round loss to Redan.
Redan, which was trying to overtake Darley for third spot, started well against the Cobras and it was something they were able to maintain all game.
The Cobras won the last quarter, but it was too little too late, with Redan winning 15.13 (103)-12.8 (80).
Hamish Coulton kicked three goals in the loss, with Alec Del Papa named their best.
The loss results in the Cobras slipping to second behind Lake Wendouree. The two will play in a qualifying final.
Redan will play Sunbury Lions in the other elimination final.
