By Erika Allen
What a difference a year makes for Moe and Warragul.
After contesting the 2025 Gippsland League Grand Final, the two clubs have experienced vastly different fortunes this season.
Moe's quest for a fourth consecutive premiership remains firmly on track, while Warragul has been unable to replicate last year's finals campaign.
The Lions highlighted the gap between the teams with a triple-figure score at Western Park.
Moe 102 defeated Warragul 31.
Moe goal shooter Ashlea Mawer was best on court and finished with 59 goals.
Jordan Pyle impressed in goal defence, while Alexandra Moody was also influential and moved into the goal third to score 17 goals.
Ramayer Keilty added 26 goals as the Lions passed the century.
Warragul captain Sienna Green was strong through the midcourt and was named the Gulls' best.
Defender Ruby Fullbridge and shooter Amelia Henry, who scored 10 goals, rounded out Warragul's leading performers.
Moe remains on track to claim the minor premiership with one round remaining, while Warragul is locked into the bottom of the ladder.
The Lions host Sale in Round 18 and need victory to maintain their two-point advantage over second-placed Drouin.
Bairnsdale maintains top-three advantage
Bairnsdale strengthened its grip on third position with a 25-goal victory over Sale.
Bairnsdale 44 defeated Sale 19.
The win preserved the Redlegs' crucial four-point advantage over fourth-placed Leongatha.
Defender Sally Deller was again named Bairnsdale's best, with former Maffra Eagle Chloe Felsbourg contributing 21 goals and centre Paris Dunkley also among the Redlegs' leading players.
Sale's best were midcourters Mahli Stothers and Annabelle Taylor, along with goal shooter Eve Sabell, who scored 17 goals.
Wonthaggi locks in finals place
Despite an 18-goal loss to Leongatha, Wonthaggi has officially secured its place in the Gippsland League finals.
The Power is now eight points clear of Traralgon after the Maroons suffered a four-goal defeat to Morwell.
Had Traralgon won, its Round 18 clash against Wonthaggi would have carried major finals implications.
Instead, Wonthaggi enters the final home-and-away round knowing its finals position is secure.
Drouin stays in minor premiership hunt
Drouin maintained the pressure on ladder-leader Moe with a 19-goal victory over Maffra.
Drouin 58 defeated Maffra 39.
Mawi Kumwenda Mbwana starred with 39 goals for the Hawks.
Maffra remained within striking distance during the opening half and trailed by just six goals at the main break, but Drouin defenders Lucy McKellar and Ella Henderson increased the pressure after halftime to help the Hawks pull away.
Tanna Boyle, centre Matilda Penderghast and defender Jayde Parsons were Maffra's leading contributors.
The Eagles finish their season with another difficult assignment against Bairnsdale.
Drouin will host Leongatha, while Moe welcomes Sale and Wonthaggi faces Traralgon in the final round.
Morwell and Warragul complete the Round 18 fixture as teams make their final preparations for the 2026 Gippsland League finals.
