In a major worry in the lead-up to the finals, the Bushrangers coughed up 38 scoring shots to drop to fifth spot on the ladder with one round remaining.

They suffered a blow before the match when All-Australian defender Ben Paton withdrew from the side due to glandular fever and lost Tom Boyd in the opening minute with a head knock.

“They had too much run and were a bit too quick,” coach Leon Higgins said.

“Our ball use wasn’t up to scratch either.

“They beat us around the contest and we didn’t cope with their attacking style of football.”

Although the Bushrangers were within 20 points at the last change, the Knights kicked 5.5 to 2.4 in the final quarter to blow the match open.

Jack Petruccelle and Ethan Penrith, who played in the national championships this season, were outstanding for the victors.

Patrick Naish, the son of former Wangaratta star Chris, chipped in with three goals to show why many believe he will be picked up in the first round of the AFL draft.

Laitham Vandermeer was constructive on a wing and through the midfield for the Bushrangers while Jordan Butts stood firm under pressure at centre half-back.

Doulton Langlands continued his good form on a wing and Joe Richards was clean with his hands inside 50 metres.

Nathan Oakes and Will Donaghey also had their moments.

“We scored OK, but didn’t defend well enough,” Higgins said.

“They run the ball really well and we were down to one rotation for over a quarter which didn’t help us late in the game.

“It was pretty disappointing.”

The Bushrangers have lost to Greater Western Victoria Rebels, Geelong Falcons and Northern Knights in their last three matches.

They will be eager to regain big forward Daniel Johnston from injury.

He has kicked 45 goals in 13 matches despite spending time in with the ruck with Mark Marriott.

The Bushrangers take on Gippsland in the final round at Victoria Park on Sunday.

“They are a pretty good side,” Higgins said.

“We just need to get better.”