The final round of the home-and-away campaign confirmed top sixes in both League 1 competitions, with Shepparton United and rivals Shepparton South earning a week off after finishing top two in the men’s competition.
United, already with the championship race sewn up, had no troubles breezing past Strathdale at McEwen Reserve, notching a 5-0 result on the back of a Rumesh Bartaula brace and goals from Hassan Alhilfi, Willie Sauiluma, and Samip Magar.
The Blues head into finals as the competition favourite, but South won’t be discounted in its mission to avenge last season’s grand final defeat.
Ethan Brooker slammed two goals through the net on the eve of half-time in the Southerner’s clash against Golden City before the hosts snatched one back.
However, super subs Austen Hogeboom and Joel Aitken were introduced to immediate effect, scoring the final blows in the black and white brigade’s 4-1 victory.
Meanwhile, Tatura will head straight into an elimination final at Truscott Reserve after battering La Trobe 8-1.
Cody Sellwood (three goals), Tom Leech (two), and Aaron Niglia (two) led the charge to confirm a do-or-die clash with Eaglehawk, and it’s poised to be an entertaining hitout on previous form.
The Ibises bested Eaglehawk on both occasions they played, but Jose Rivera’s men were forced to work for it in 2-1, 6-4 results earlier in the campaign.
At Vibert Reserve, Shepparton SC suited up for the final time in 2026, and a Hussain Algazali equaliser in the 48 th minute had the Reds dreaming of a winning end to the season.
Epsom would not humour the notion, kicking away to a 3-1 win.
In the women’s competition, Tatura confirmed its finals billing with a comprehensive defeat of La Trobe.
The Ibises were superbly led down front with Adele Marshall and Grainne Egan each hitting hattricks in the 8-nil win, with eyes immediately turning to their elimination final against Castlemaine-Goldfields in Strathfieldsaye.
Shepparton South also prepared well for this weekend’s final against Colts United with a 5-0 defeat of Kyneton, Teagan Kelly the chief destroyer with three goals.
Shepparton United and Spring Gully finished as the league’s top two clubs, United going down 2-1 in the final game against Castlemaine-Goldfields.
12°C