The 9.6 (60) to 6.6 (42) result ended the Tigers' season without a finals victory, the second-placed team losing after giving up four goals to one in the final quarter.

Diggers Rest trailed by 13 points at quarter-time but edged seven up at the long break before scores were level at three-quarter-time.

Secon d semi-final: Riddell's dominant defence shut down Sunbury Kangaroos for the third time this season as the Bombers advanced to the grand final with a 61-point win.

Scoring at Lancefield Park was difficult enough in the conditions, but Riddell found a way to kick 11.9 (75) while holding Sunbury to 2.2 (14).

Scores were level at quarter-time before four unanswered second-quarter goals for Riddell opened a 27-point half-time lead, while three more unanswered in the third quarter made the game safe.

Preliminary final: Sunbury Kangaroos will play Diggers Rest in this weekend's preliminary final. First bounce is at 2.30pm at Romsey Park.