PERENNIAL powerhouse Osborne is set to miss finals for the first time since 2015 after succumbing to the previously winless Turvey Park on Saturday.
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The Ostriches faced a must-win clash against the Bulldogs to keep their finals aspirations alive with a 1-2 record at the half-way point of the shortened season.
Osborne shot out to an early lead after kicking the first four goals of the match.
However, the league newcomers could only manufacture two more goals for the remainder of the match as the home side fought back to notch its first win of the season 7.8 (50) to 6.6 (42).
The disappointing loss leaves the Ostriches precariously placed outside the top-four, trailing fourth-placed Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes by four points and significant percentage.
Osborne coach Joel Mackie conceded his side would now need more than a minor miracle to take part in the finals series.
"It's disappointing but we are a longshot now to make finals now," Mackie said.
"We set ourselves for a big match because we knew Turvey Park wouldn't be easybeats.
"But we didn't use the footy well when going forward and that's what killed us.
"Turvey Park were more clinical when they had to be and deserved the win.
"We will now focus on finishing the season as strongly as possible and try to rattle a few cages in the final two rounds."
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Despite the likelihood of missing finals, Mackie said the radical move to join the Riverina league would stand the club in good stead for next season.
"This season was never going to be about wins and losses," he said.
"Our main objective when we decided to switch competitions was to be able to keep the group together.
"And I think we have been able to achieve that.
"We have got a young list.
"The experienced gained this season by the kids against tougher competition than they would have faced in the Hume league will be priceless."
Since missing the finals in 2015, Osborne has added another two cups to its burgeoning trophy cabinet in 2017 and again last year.
Mackie said the Ostriches will use their two remaining matches to try and build momentum for next season.
The dual Morris medallist is set to return from a hamstring injury on Saturday.
