Brittany Tancred was the hero at Tatura Park, booting six goals in a stellar performance for the Cats.
Shadelle and Rianne Hood both kicked three majors, while Kayla Shepherd, Tamara Smith, Kristen Atkinson and Kaitlin Roberts were also crucial for the visitors.
The Bulldogs were well-served by the showings of Sarah Lange-Richards, Leanne Bedwell, Tahlitha Samkakai, Samantha Sessions, Keilara Briggs and Jessica Laffy.
The Cats will face Nathalia on Sunday with a preliminary final berth on offer for the victor.
The Purples were secure in third spot no matter what, but still completed a thrilling 3.10 (28) to 3.6 (24) win against Kerang.
Sharnah Stevens, Tegan Sutton and Gemma Hawks starred for Nathalia, with Jemma Meehan and Jayde Maney standing tall for Kerang.
Sunday's other semi final will pit Echuca and Shepparton against each other, with the winner going straight to the big dance.
The Murray Bombers defeated Benalla 11.8 (74) to 1.0 (6) at the weekend, while the Bears had Rumba's measure 12.10 (82) to 3.5 (23).
Ash Thorneycroft (five goals) and Samantha Heron (three) were crucial for Shepparton, as were Zoe Courtney and Emma Keady.
Jess and Natarsha Bamblett impressed for Rumba, as did Kylie Relf and Aneiki Pierce for the Saints.
Sunday's semi-finals will take place at Nathalia Recreation Reserve, with the Purples and Cats facing off from 11am and Echuca taking on Shepparton at 1pm.
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