St Albans and Taylors Lakes have fallen just short of finals in the Essendon District Football League division 1 competition.
The two teams started the final round outside the top five and both needed a win and a Craigieburn loss if they were to have any chance of moving into the top five.
While the Saints snuck home against Roxburgh Park on Saturday, Craigieburn upset Avondale Heights to seal its finals berth.
The Saints had to work hard for a final round win against the bottom placed Magpies.
The Magpies led early and were able to hold onto the lead until the third quarter.
St Albans kicked five goals in the third quarter as the Magpies missed opportunities to take a three point lead into the final break.
The Saints kicked the first two goals of the final quarter through Andre Srour to take the lead out to 15 points.
The Magpies kept coming but ran out of time, as the Saints held on to win, 11.9 (75)-9.18 (72).
Lachlan Calder was the only multiple goal kicker for the Saints with two.
Former skipper Jack Sims in his final game was named best on ground.
The Saints finished percentage outside the top five.
Taylors Lakes finished its season with a loss to longtime rival Hillside.
While the Lions upset the Sharks last time, there would be no repeat this time round.
The Sharks led 31-1 and kept the momentum going on to a 15.15 (105)-6.5 (41) win.
Josh Covelli finished with six goals with Sulaiman Elleissy named the Sharks best.
Bowey Larizza was named the Lions best.
The Sharks win was enough for them to secure third spot and the double chance.
In division 2, a final round win for Keilor Park sealed third spot and first week of the finals off. It will play Westmeadows in a knockout semi final the following week.
