The Lions will go into this week’s final round a game-and-a-half clear of the Giants, who will finish their season at home to Henty.

The Lions took the game away from the Giants in the second half after both teams were locked at 27-all at half-time in slippery conditions.

A final quarter six goal blitz completed the victory for Culcairn who now have the luxury of resting players ahead of the elimination final on Saturday week.

Jesse Sutherland, Caleb Simmons, Jed Andrew were excellent for the Lions, while John Robbins kicked five crucial goals.

Brian Lieschke was terrific for the Giants despite missing a quarter to a nasty head wound, while Jeremy Duck and Lewis McCrae gave their all.

****

HENTY star forward Damian Cupido has moved close to a century of goals, after his bag of 10 against Lockhart took him to a season total of 98.

He was a dominant force in the Swampies’ comfortable 60-point win over Lockhart, kicking two thirds of their goal tally.

Daniel Cox enhanced his Azzi Medal chances with another stunning display of hard running and line breaking football that makes him a huge crowd favourite.

The Demons tried hard and with excellent efforts from Chayte Burkinshaw, Jamie Clough, Andrew Emery and Jordan Harrington they were a tenacious opponent.

Henty went into the match well below full strength with Shannon Terlich, Chris Willis, Josh Gaynoer and Jared Brennan all missing.

****

HOLBROOK maintained third place after a hard-fought win over Billabong Crows in heavy conditions at the Holbrook Sporting Complex.

The Crows gave plenty of cheek in the first half and, in fact, took a one-point lead into half-time before Holbrook kicked seven goals to one in the final half.

The Brookers’ underrated midfielders Alec Sullivan, Brad Carman, Jacob Way and Gus Keogh enjoyed the heavy going while Hamish Mackinlay impressed in his first senior game this season.

Josh Jones and Ben Talarico kicked seven goals between them as Holbrook ran out 36-point winners.

Zac Kerr was best for the Crows, while Darcy Collins, Tim and Al Austin, Michael O’Riordan and George Sandral were the catalyst for the first half dominance.

****

DEFENDING premiers Osborne were again impressive, easily accounting for Howlong at Osborne, winning by 66 points.

The Cats look to be mounting a strong defence of last year’s flag with encouraging performances by Sam Rutland (five goals) and Marty Bahr the highlight.

Best for Howlong were Blake Williams, Ben baker, Alex Dilger and Toby Pargeter. A scoreless first quarter stopped the Spiders in its tracks early.

****

OSBORNE, which is in fourth position, finish the season away to CDHBU and are looking most likely to meet its grand final opponent of last year, Jindera, in the elimination final.

Jindera made a welcome return to the winners’ list when it thrashed Murray Magpies at Jindera by 114 points.

It was just the second win for the Doggies since June, who have had a tough draw and relished the chance to take the battling Pies down.

Trent Castles booted six goals to take his tally to 90 and given good conditions next Saturday could give the ton a shake at Howlong.

The Pies, who were badly undermanned, had excellent performers in Josh Senior, Kade Benham and the two Maher boys, Dan and Josh.

****

BROCK Burrum Saints as expected were to strong for CDHBU winning by 86 points at Burrumbuttock with both sides missing plenty of players.

The Saints were without Kade Stevens, Nick Brockley, Kade Garland, Jarod Koschitzke, Ron Boulton and Luke Brauer. Brauer will miss the season with a serious Achilles injury.

The 300-game veteran may face an end to his decorated career and will be a massive loss for the Saints going into the finals.

CDHBU have been smashed by injury over the last month with over 20 players missing from both senior teams on Saturday.

A highlight however was club stalwart Dean Fitzgerald playing his 400th game of seniors (123) and reserves (277) at either Daysdale or CDHBU. Fitzgerald turned 50 this year.

ROUND EIGHTEEN (FINAL)