By Justin Flynn
East Geelong moved into pole position on the Geelong District Football League ladder, dethroning Inverleigh in style in the penultimate round on Saturday.
The convincing 52-point win took the Eagles to the top of the ladder by percentage from Inverleigh.
Things were even at the first break with the Eagles taking a four-point lead and then a 17-point buffer into half time.
The third term saw East Geelong take the game away from its rivals with a six-goal effort.
Tom Cordner-Maas was best afield with five goals while Zac Smith booted four while skipper Matt Tyquin was best for Inverleigh.
Geelong West sealed a finals spot courtesy of an 82-point victory against Belmont.
The Giants are now two games clear in fifth spot and are still a mathematical chance of third providing they beat Bell Post Hill and Bannockburn loses to North Geelong.
After an even first term, the Giants skipped away to dominate the rest of the game with Blake Dye and Brayden Mitchell each bagging four majors.
Jak Evans and coach Nathan Bisset battled valiantly for the Lions.
Bannockburn gave itself a real shot of earning the double chance with a 79-point win against Thomson.
The Tigers are currently in third place and a win would see them finish at least third.
A first-quarter blitz ensured Bannockburn was never in danger of losing with Kieran Fulton and Ayden Osborne combining for nine goals.
Bell Post Hill did what was required to stay in the race for the top three with a commanding 112-point win against Corio.
There were only 23 points in it at the long break, but the Panthers slammed through nine goals in the third term with Jordan Schrader-Sabell snaring five goals in a best on ground performance while Jayden Ettridge kicked five.
Captain Jopel Bennett was a shining light for Corio with four goals.
North Geelong overcame Winchelsea with a thrilling five-point victory.
The Magpies were four goals down at the last break, but kicked into gear and a Flynn Sheldon goal late in the game put them in front.
Jacsen Jewell and Aaron Best were best for the winners while Leigh Ellis kicked five for the Blues.
Werribee Centrals defeated Anakie by 77 points.
Brenden Wilson, Josh Sutton and Jordan Wilson each kicked four for the Centurians while Anthony Harding kicked five of Anakie’s eight goals.
