Semi-finals VFL action saw Southport and Brisbane progress through to the penultimate weekend of the season as Werribee and Footscray await.
Southport continued their winning ways with a shining performance over Geelong at GMHBA Stadium to book their place in a preliminary final, with the Cats bowing out of finals with two losses from as many matches.
Geelong had a handful of senior players feature in the loss as the Cats' senior side embarks on a preliminary final of their own in the coming weeks, however not everyone got through unscathed.
In the other semi-final in Queensland, a fast-finishing Lions outfit recorded a 17-point win over Williamstown in a high-scoring affair to book their place against Werribee for next week.
Geelong 58 vs Southport 87
Southport booked their spot in next week's preliminary final against Footscray with a mature performance over the Cats, who have exited this year's VFL premiership race in straight sets.
A strong second term by the Sharks saw the game break away in favour of the Queenslanders, who kicked six of their 13 goals for the day in the second stanza.
Geelong fought back in the third term to keep the game in reaching distance - trailing by 17 points at the final break - before the Sharks saw out the match in style.
The Cats' wayward kicking in front of goal cost them multiple chances of taking back momentum, with the Kardinia Park club booting 7.16 in front of their home fans.
Three goals in as many minutes from Shark Jay Lockhart was the firestarter for the travelling side ahead of half-time, with teammate Wylie Buzza matching his efforts with an equal game-high three majors also.
Jacob Heron was among Southport's best, recording multiple goals from his 15 disposals and five clearances, with the Sharks' engine room feeding off a dominant ruck performance from Brayden Crossley, who recorded 44 hitouts in a dominant performance over Sam De Koning.
Veteran Jacob Dawson led the charge with his 27 disposals and 11 clearances, with partner-in-crime Boyd Woodcock also serviceable with his 20 touches and seven clearances.
Geelong youngster Mitch Knevitt was a standout for the Cats with an output of 39 disposals, 10 tackles and 13 clearances, with the third-year midfielder unfortunately among the Cats players who couldn't capitalise on attacking options when the game was one the line.
Veteran Tom Hawkins got through the game unscathed but also failed to find his shoot boots, kicking 1.3 from 10 disposals and two marks in his first game in months following a foot injury.
Ball-winner Mitch Hardie booted 2.3 from his 20 disposals to add to a stellar year in the blue and white, with tall Phoenix Foster contributing 2.2 himself.
Midfielder Cameron Guthrie joined Hawkins in returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with the veteran Cat ending the afternoon with 19 disposals and a goal in a roaming role.
The aforementioned De Koning amassed 15 hitouts, 16 disposals six marks and three clearances as he continues to build on his workloads following a recent knee injury.
Young onballer Ted Clohesy was another looking to keep his name in the AFL selection conversation, however a dangerous tackle on Dawson could earn the ire of the VFL's Match Review Panel. Clohesy had 24 disposals and eight clearances in another strong outing for the midfielder.
Veteran Gary Rohan played less than a quarter after copping a glancing arm to the head before failing a concussion test.
Brisbane 130 vs Williamstown 113
The Lions kicked nine of the last dozen goals of the game to secure their spot in next week's proceedings, moving past an equally impressive Williamstown outfit.
Despite an inaccurate afternoon in front of goal, Brisbane veteran Jarryd Lyons was among his side's best with 38 disposals and 10 clearances, with teammate Deven Robertson just as damaging with 34 touches and 11 clearances of his own.
The goals were shared across Brisbane's front third pack, with Brandon Ryan having four majors to his name while Harry Sharp and Will McLachlan booted three each. Ewan Macpherson had two, including the match-capping final goal of the game.
Defender Darragh Joyce was a large presence down back for Ben Hudson's side, collecting 11 marks for a return of 20 disposals in his VFL return. Jaxon Prior was also impressive, offering plenty of run out wide.
Utility Bruce Reville was also among Brisbane's best, while veteran and AFL development coach Daniel Lloyd was important in the win with several heroic efforts.
Brisbane ruckman Darcy Fort managed to hand Williamstown star Tom Downie with some ease, having 12 more disposals, 15 more hitouts and five more clearances.
Seagulls sharpshooter Brodie McLaughlin can keep his head high after kicking six goals in the loss, with the Frosty Miller Medal winner ending his first year with Williamstown on a personal high.
Gun forward Corey Ellison added four goals to his season tally to also be a threat for Lions defenders, while Nathan Colenso and Jack Brown each had multiple goals.
Williamstown defender Joel Fitzgerald was the only Seagull to go past 20 disposals against Brisbane, while star recruit Will Fordham and James Cousins kept quiet.
