Thomastown was in the top four of division 2 of the Northern Football League for every round but one this season.
And, heartbreakingly for the Bears, that round was the one that mattered the most … the final round.
A win against ladder leader Lalor on Saturday would have cemented fourth spot and a finals appearance in the Bears’ first season back in division 2.
But the Bloods were determined to finish on top of the ladder and led at every change to win 20.11 (131) – 13.9 (87).
Tom Hughes won the battle of the league’s two leading goalkickers, with the Bloods’ spearhead kicking nine to be on 76 for the season.
Thomastown’s Matthew Ferraro, who is second on the goalkicking table, picked up four.
Hughes was best-on-ground, with Daniel Chadwick best for the Bears.
The win ensured the Bloods finish the season on top of the ladder, while the Bears slipped from the top four with their loss and Fitzroy Stars’ victory over Panton Hill.
The Stars beat Panton Hill 20.19 (139) – 11.12 (78) to edge two points ahead of the Bears.
Equal on points with the Stars in third place is Whittlesea, which lost to second-placed Hurstbridge.
With both sides fighting for second spot and a double chance, it was Hurstbridge that flew out of the blocks, kicking seven goals to two in the opening quarter to have a 36-point lead at the first break.
That was enough to give it breathing space and Hurstbridge went on to win 19.15 (129) – 11. 10 (76).
Aron Burns kicked nine for Hurstbridge in a best-on-ground performance.
Janan Daniel kicked three for the Eagles. Todd Behan was best in the loss.
Hurstbridge will face Lalor in the first week of the finals, the winner to go through to the grand final, while the Eagles and Stars will do battle in the other final.
Mernda’s season came to an end with an 18.13 (121) – 8. 9 (57) loss to Diamond Creek.
Lesley Adams was best for the Demons while Krystopher Douglas and Nicholas Avenoso kicked two goals each.
The Demons finished the season on the bottom of the ladder with only one win for the year. They will play in division 3 next season.
