The race for sixth, and final, spot in the Ballarat Football League finals will go down to the final round, with three teams still in the mix.
Darley got the jump on the chasing pack on Saturday with a hard-fought win against bottom side Melton South.
The win means the Devils enter the final round in sixth spot, a game ahead of East Point and Melton.
Darley was made to work hard for the win against the winless Panthers, who produced their best game for the season.
The Devils looked to have the match won when they kicked seven of the first nine goals in the last quarter to open up what looked like a match-winning lead.
As they have done many times this season, the Panthers kicked late goals, but they were too far back, losing 19.19 (133)-18.13 (121). Jake Ancrum kicked three goals for the Devils, while five other players kicked doubles.
Shaun White kicked four goals for the Panthers, who finish the season without a win; they have a bye in the final round.
The win means the Devils need just a win in the final round to stay sixth – and they’re taking on Sunbury Lions, who have won five games straight.
East Point, in seventh position, has, on paper, the easiest final round match, against 10-placed Sebastopol. If the Devils lose, all East Point needs to do is win as it has a far superior percentage.
Melton’s finals hopes still have a faint heartbeat, but everything needs to go its way after losing to East Point on Saturday,
East Point was way too strong for the Bloods, winning 20.17 (137)-6.9 (45).
A 12-goals-to-two second quarter proved the difference in the match.
For the Bloods to make the finals, they have to have a percentage-boosting win against fourth-placed North Ballarat City and hope Darley has a big loss and East Point loses, too.
While three sides are fighting for sixth spot, Bacchus Marsh and Lake Wendouree will face each other in the final round for top spot.
The two sides will then play each other in the first week of finals. On Saturday, Bacchus Marsh beat Ballarat 20.10 (130)-5.6 (36). Hamish Coulton kicked five goals in the Cobras’ win.
Tara Murray
