In what was set to be a blockbuster clash and potential grand final preview at Toolleen Recreation Reserve, unbeaten Colbinabbin made it anything but.
Sitting in third position, the Mounts were already guaranteed to play finals, but knocking off the untouched Grasshoppers and ruining their perfect season was too tantalising to pass up.
Unfortunately for Mount Pleasant, it was shown why Colbinabbin is A-grade’s true contender, being throttled 71-38 by the full-time siren.
While it was never in doubt that the Grasshoppers would take out the minor premiership, it gives them the clear path through the first week of finals and they will play the winner of the qualifying final on Saturday, August 30, in the second semi.
It could very well be a rematch of Colbinabbin and Mount Pleasant in a fortnight’s time, with the latter set to face White Hills on Saturday at Gunbower Recreation Reserve in the qualifying final.
Leitchville-Gunbower v North Bendigo
Neither the Bombers nor Bulldogs had anything to lose at North Bendigo Oval with both sides missing finals, which allowed for a close contest.
North Bendigo piled on 18 goals in the first quarter, but L-G managed to keep pace with nine.
The deficit stayed the same in the second period, both sides finding the net on 12 occasions.
Ultimately, it was the higher ranked Bulldogs who won the day, holding the lead the entire match to triumph 65-42.
With three wins for the home-and-away season, L-G’s A-grade unit will look to climb the ladder in 2026.
Lockington-Bamawm United v White Hills
It was a mismatch for the Cats in round 18 at White Hills Recreation Reserve, coming up against second-placed White Hills.
The Demons, a real chance to take it all in the finals, made short work of the Cats in a one-sided affair.
The final score was 65-22.
White Hills will come up against Mount Pleasant in the first qualifying final at Gunbower Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
LBU only won two games this season and will be in desperate need of reinforcements for the 2026 season, with recruitment well under way for next campaign.
Huntly v Heathcote
With the fifth and last finals spot wrapped up, Huntly came up against wooden-spooner Heathcote in round 18 on its home turf of Strauch Reserve.
With nothing at stake except pride, the Saints took it to the Hawks, who were perhaps lacking spark in preparation for the finals.
However, Huntly still managed to outscore Heathcote in the first quarter, 12-11.
The Hawks pulled away in the second, but the Saints managed to keep pace, trailing 19-27 at half-time.
While the deficit continued to grow slowly, Heathcote refused to let Huntly rest, with the margin just 10 with a quarter to play.
The Hawks put on 18 in the final stretch to sink the Saints, who managed 10 in reply, with Heathcote’s heroic final game giving the side hope for a brighter 2026.
The final score was 59-41.
Huntly will turn its attention to the win-or-go-home elimination final against Elmore on Sunday, August 24, at North Bendigo Oval.
