JINDERA look set to have a major say in who plays finals after upsetting Howlong by a point at Jindera on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While the Bulldogs failed to win a match in the opening five rounds, they were competitive in all bar one game with coach Andrew Wilson delighted his side was finally rewarded for effort.
"It was great to see the joy on the players' faces when the siren went," Wilson said.
"We have been plugging away pretty well against the top sides.
"The Culcairn game was a write-off but otherwise we have been going OK.
"The boys are working hard, it's a development thing for us, so it was terrific to get a win on the board."
Jindera opened up a 13-point lead late in the match before Howlong hit back with the next two goals to take the clash down to the wire.
Danny Warren carried his inter-league form into the game while Mitch Lawrence, Tom Weldon, Jesse Harris and Blair Boyle also turned in strong performances.
"It was pretty even all day," Wilson said.
"We had a really even spread which is important because if we don't bring that effort we are going to struggle."
Howlong defender Matt Lee stood up well under pressure, with support coming from Steve Jolliffe, Ben Baker and Matt McDonald.
Jolliffe had young backman Harry Weaven running with him for the entire match.
Brock-Burrum pair Matt Seiter and Nico Sedgwick dominated in the Saints' 63-point win over Rand-Walbundrie-Walla.
Seiter and Sedgwick combined to clear the ball from the centre with ease to ensure the reigning premier retained the Combo Cup.
The home team set up the win with eight goals to two in the second term with John Spencer finding form with five majors and Darcy I'Anson providing plenty of run.
Brock-Burrum went into the clash without Kade Stevens, Luke McLellan and Jarod Koschitzke while the Giants missed Myles Aalbers, Ryan Lavery and Jack Duck.
Osborne held Lockhart goalless for three quarters before running out 53-point victors at Osborne.
Sam Rutland, Declan O'Rourke and Kodie O'Malley impressed for the Tigers.
Man-mountain Demon ruckman Neil Irwin played well for the visitors.
Culcairn defeated Murray Magpies by 119 points with Adam Prior and Jye Shields dominating.
Henty proved too strong for CDHBU.
