However, it will be the Bulldogs' final-round four-point win over Vermont that sticks in everyone's memory.

For the first time in 23 years, the mighty Eagles will spend the EFL finals series outside the fence, watching on after finishing sixth on the ladder.

All the Eagles had to do was win a final-round game against the Bulldogs, and most thought that was a foregone conclusion, but not according to the folks from South Croydon.

Played on a mud heap with barely a blade of grass to be seen, the Bulldogs scraped in to celebrate a victory against the heavyweights from Vermont.

In doing so they denied the Eagles a finals berth, an achievement that brought plenty of cheer from nearby Croydon, which moved into fifth spot as a result.

A six-goal opening quarter by the Bulldogs was the stumbling block for the Eagles. As the rain tumbled, the ground cut up into thick mud.

Holding on with fierce determination down the stretch, the Bulldogs stacked the backline and the ball rarely came out of Vermont's forward 50.

With less than a minute to go, an Eagles' shot on goal, which would have won the game, glanced the post and the Eagles were out.

Although there were celebrations in one camp and misery in the other, the biggest talking point of the day was the condition of the ground - which was below par.

In other division 1 games, Noble Park is primed and ready for this year's finals after honing its plans against bottom team and newly relegated Lilydale.

The Bulls will face Balwyn in the qualifying final, the Tigers entering the finals fray off the back of a 117-point win over East Burwood.

Scoresby will enjoy a week's break courtesy of finishing on top, while Norwood and Croydon will clash in an elimination final that is expected to attract a huge crowd.

Division 2: The scene is set for a competitive finals series which will start this week with Mulgrave and Bayswater meeting for a spot in the grand final, while the loser will progress and play the winner of the cut-throat final between Montrose and Doncaster East.