A four-goal final quarter lifted minor premiers Gnowangerup to a thrilling one-point win over Lake Grace-Pingrup as the last round of the Ongerup Football Association provided a tantalising finals preview.
A match between two teams tipped for the grand final, this game lived up to expectations as the two sides will face off again this weekend for a chance to secure a place in the decider.
The Bulldogs trailed at every break and were down by eight points at the final change, but surged home by converting four of their eight scoring opportunities in the last to emerge 9.7 (61) to 9.6 (60) victors.
Tyler Caldwell and speedster Murray Hayward were pivotal in the victory with three goals each, while Ben Bungey, Harrison Richardson and 2024 Les Ganzer medallist Lewis Davis were all crucial for the Bulldogs.
Luke Moore booted a game-high five goals for the Bombers and was supported by spearhead Jacskon Callope, who kicked two.
The visitors also received reliable contributions from Mitchell Smith, Regan Smith, and Trivan Davey.
A travelling Newdegate eased past a slow-starting Boxwood Hill on Saturday to notch a 33-point victory and claim bragging rights before their elimination final stoush this weekend.
The Lions booted three goals to nil in the opener before adding another five goals to nil in the third and waltzed to an 11.8 (74) to 5.11 (41) victory.
Chris Wollaston, Jacob Conti, Kim Newman (two goals) and Lachlan Maples played key hands in the Lions’ win, while Darcy Thompson (three) and Ian Lloyd (two) were strong in front of goal.
Nic Bertola, Jack Davis, Joshua Cameron and Edward Moir toiled hard for the hosts, and Jack Davis booted a team-high three majors.
Gnowangerup will take on Lake Grace-Pingrup at Boxwood Hill on Saturday at 2.10pm in the second semifinal before Newdegate and Boxwood Hill square off in Lake Grace at 2.10pm on Sunday in the elimination first semifinal.