The Bushrangers lost their second successive match after the Chargers kicked 3.2 to 1.4 in the final quarter.

Coach Leon Higgins said the defeat underlined the evenness of the TAC Cup.

“Even though we have lost our last two games, it’s been against really good opposition and we have played pretty well in both games,” Higgins said.

“We will go into the finals with confidence.

“Saturday was similar to last week in that we were just a little inconsistent with our efforts.

“We are playing good footy, but we didn’t take our chances.”

The Bushrangers finished the home and away series in fourth spot and will play ladder leader Geelong Falcons in their first final.

Harry Morrison was outstanding around the packs while Ryan Garthwaite stood firm in defence.

Garthwaite has been rock solid in recent weeks with the Corowa-Rutherglen youngster set to play an important role in the finals.

Esava Ratugolea, Isaac Wallace, Will Brodie and Zac Sproule also played well.

“Oakleigh is a pretty good side,” Higgins said.

“We showed we can match it with the top teams and, with all their private school boys back playing now, I would say they would be one of the favourites.”

Bushranger Louis Pinnuck hurt his wrist with the seriousness of the injury to be determined in the next 24 hours.

CDHBU first-gamer Matt Walker turned in a solid performance.

“He showed some real glimpses,” Higgins said.

“I thought he did OK in his first game once he adjusted to the tempo.”

Oakleigh had strong performers in Louis Cunningham and Lachlan Walker while Josh Daicos looked dangerous in attack with two goals.

Daicos, the son of Collingwood champion Peter, has emerged as a wildcard father-son draft chance.

In other matches, Calder Cannons edged out Western Jets by seven points, North Ballarat accounted for Eastern Ranges, Gippsland Power brought down Northern Knights and Sandringham upstaged Bendigo.