The eighth-placed Bulldogs lost by three goals to sixth-placed Springbank in an entertaining clash at Springbank.

The silver lining to the defeat was that ninth-placed Ballan suffered a shock four-point loss to Clunes.

Ballan’s loss means the Bulldogs still hold a two-win buffer with three rounds remaining in the race for eighth spot.

 Daylesford was left to lament a slow start in its 16.9 (105) to 13.9 (87) loss to Springbank.

The home side jumped the Bulldogs in the first half, opening up a 49-point lead at half-time.

The Bulldogs rediscovered their mojo in the second half, outscoring the Tigers 9.6 to 4.5 to get within 18 points.

Andrew Button was a livewire in attack for the Bulldogs, kicking five goals.

Darcy Shewell was superb for the Bulldogs, while Toby Hughes and Jesse Browne also impressed.

Ruckman Scott Winduss and young midfielder Pat Rowe continued their good form.

The Bulldogs will be hoping Springbank can repeat its good form against Ballan this Saturday.

A Springbank victory coupled with a Daylesford win over 14th-placed Skipton would seal a finals berth for the Bulldogs.

Daylesford should defeat Carngham Linton in the second-last round, but faces a tough ask against fourth-placed Waubra in the final round.

Ballan’s final two matches are against Skipton and Carngham Linton.