It couldn't have been much closer as SOUTH LAUNCESTON sealed top spot and next week off, defeating Longford 4.7 (31) to 4.6 (30) in blustery conditions.
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Only one goal was kicked after half-time but the pressure and intensity was on as defences were tested all day.
Bart McCulloch opened the scoring in the first minute and Luke Murfitt-Cowen responded as the day looked like it may be a shootout between the two.
But it proved to be the opposite with four of the eight goals scored in the first quarter with the wind reaping havoc throughout.
Longford halved a 14-point quarter-time margin at the main break as the Bulldogs registered two behinds in the third-quarter war of attrition.
A 60-metre bomb by Jake Murfett put the Tigers within two points before he headed straight back to defence, which was required at the 15-minute mark as South's counterattack looked dangerous.
A massive Josh Frankcombe tackle staved off the attack as Longford produced a promising flood of its own, bringing the crowded and vocal grandstand to its feet as parking around the ground was off limits.
But South's defence nullified the run and put the Tigers' chances to bed.
Jordan Tepper and Ben Webb were South Launceston's best, while goalkicker Murfett and Connor Pearton shone for Longford.
BRACKNELL took the mental edge heading into next week's elimination final, defeating DELORAINE 13.16 (94) to 10.6 (66).
The pair will face off again next week with their seasons on the line, and Deloraine will need to stop Bracknell coach Corry Goodluck, who booted seven of the side's goals.
The Redlegs led at every break, stretching the lead to 33 points at the main break before Deloraine had a five-goal quarter of its own to bring it back to 13.
Josh Holland and Nick Mitchell were Bracknell's best as recruit Damon Howe flew the flag for Deloraine while Ashdyn Heathcoate and Lochy Dornauf each kicked four.
GEORGE TOWN won its third game in five weeks, defeating Bridgenorth 10.8 (68) to 4.12 (36) to send their milestone men home happy.
The Parrots led at the first two breaks but were held goalless by the Saints in the second half while the home side kicked five goals in the last term to ensure victory.
Luke Crane kicked three in a best-on showing from 150-gamer Cory Burr while Casey Walker-Russell and Declan Boyd impressed for the Parrots.
An accurate eight-goal final term sent ROCHERLEA into the finals with a barrel of momentum, defeating Scottsdale 14.11 (95) to 4.5 (29) to secure the double chance.
Leading by only three at quarter time, the Tigers kicked away before Scottsdale pegged it back again but the in-form side proved too much as Josh Holton booted four.
Jordan Cousens and Dakota Bannister led the way for Rocherlea as Brad Tuffin and Bryton Mullins were Scottsdale's strongest.
Rocherlea will face fellow Tigers outfit Longford next week for the chance to face South Launceston for a grand final berth.
NEXT WEEK'S GAMES
- Qualifying final - Longford v Rocherlea
- Elimination final - Bracknell v Deloraine
- Bye - South Launceston