The top five appears a race in six as Yarrawonga almost certainly lost any realistic hope of equalling a league record for successive finals appearances.
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The Pigeons were hoping to match Wangaratta Rovers' run of 14 straight campaigns from 1969 to 1982.
And, ironically, it was Rovers who probably landed the killer blow with a 16-point win on Saturday.
Yarrawonga was locked in a battle for the only remaining spot with Wodonga Raiders and Rovers.
However, the Pigeons now hold a two-five win-loss record and while four teams with similar standings have played finals in the past 20 years, the loser of Yarrawonga-Rovers was always going to be in trouble.
"We did talk about that before the game," classy Hawks' wingman Tom McCaffrey said.
"Just the position on the ladder with the three of us around the spot, we said whoever loses is probably going to miss finals, it's so close, it's a great win."
We said whoever loses is probably going to miss finals, it's so close, it's a great win.
- Tom McCaffrey
It also broke a run of thrilling losses for the Hawks.
Myrtleford's Mitch Dalbosco kicked a goal with only 39 seconds left on Easter Sunday, while Rovers carried a nine-point break and, more importantly, momentum into the final quarter of the last round clash against Raiders, who then kept the home team goalless.
The pair will meet again in a crackerjack round 14 clash, which could decide fifth spot.
As it stands after round seven, Raiders are a win and a percentage of 12.87 ahead of Rovers.
The pair will start strong favourites to win only one of the two games to complete the first half of the year.
Rovers will need to do everything in their power to cut that percentage to Raiders, so if they can't upset the 'big two' - grand finalists Wangaratta and Albury - the Hawks must limit the damage.
The prospect of a shootout for the elimination final will delight the O and M after last year's top five was realistically decided after round two.
