Panthers ready to launch their finals campaign

AFTER an arm wrestle with Inverloch-Kongwak for sixth spot on the ladder for much of the second half of the season, Kilcunda Bass booked its appearance in the 2025 finals series with an 11-point win over Garfield.

The Panthers welcomed their biggest crowd of the year at the Bass Recreation Reserve, with supporters coming out of the woodwork to enjoy the beautiful weather and the Garfield faithful celebrating the last game of the season.

Kilcunda Bass was thrilled to have sealed its fate to continue its 2025 campaign, but the opposition certainly made it work for its finals ticket.

The Panthers got a jump on the Stars with two goals three in the first few minutes of the game.

They could’ve been five goals ahead from the get-go, but inaccurate kicking would prove to be an issue for both sides throughout the game.

Kilcunda Bass found it difficult to find the scoreboard through the second quarter, but was lucky as Garfield recorded six behinds.

Going into the long break, it was still unclear which way the game was going to go.

Scoring was tricky in third quarter and Garfield managed to gain more ground, coming within five points of Kilcunda Bass with one quarter to go.

The Panthers were going to have to really dig deep and prove how much they wanted it.

The game broke open in the fourth quarter and the Panthers found some breathing room.

They were 23 points ahead when Garfield found one last burst of adrenaline.

Garfield piled on a couple more goals at the 25-minute mark, bringing the margin back to 11 points.

Nathan Foote capped off another sensational home and away series with a dominant performance in the last game, Tim Gunn led the Panthers’ goal-kicking efforts with three for the game, Travis Tuck was once again instrumental up forward and through the middle, and Steven Scott led the strong backline.

Kilcunda Bass is thrilled to be going into its elimination final against Phillip Island with a little bit of winning momentum.

The elimination final will be held at Nar Nar Goon next Saturday.

Playing on the nice, big ground, Kilcunda Bass is going in with youth on its side.

Phillip Island defeated Kilcunda Bass by just 18 points in a close contest in round three.

The Bulldogs managed to take better control of the game during the round 16 match, where Phillip Island won by 59 points.

Kilcunda Bass will approach this match with quiet confidence, knowing finals is a whole new ball game and ready to put it all on the line.

Kilcunda Bass held its vote count after the Garfield game on Saturday night.

Foote won the Seniors’ best and fairest for the third time in a row – a testament to him as a player and record event for the club.