However, an upset 3-1 win for Melrose against Wangaratta in round 18 has eventually seen them take an unassailable four-point lead ahead of the ninth-placed Spurs into the last fixture.

Melrose coach Kade Rixon is treating it as a chance to iron out a few kinks before their quarter final against league champions Wangaratta the following weekend.

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"The front three is going to be hard to simulate with (Adam) Burchell and (Thomas) Romero obviously not playing, but we can still work on a few things to set us up for a week later," he said.

"A win before the first final would be nice for the boys' confidence."

Albury United can secure second spot on the table with at least a point away to Myrtleford, Wangaratta travels to face St Pats, Boomers host Cobram, Albury City takes on Wodonga Diamonds, while Twin City clashes with Wodonga Heart.