Bungaree 9.8 (62)
Waubra 8.13 (61)
IN A match that was defined by its ebbs and flows, it was Bungaree that took its chances late in the game to snatch a one-point win against top four rival Waubra.
Early goals in the last quarter through Shaun Finlayson and a ripper from the boundary from Tom Wilson put Bungaree in control before Waubra's late flurry led to a tense finish.
The Waubra forwards were unable to make the most of late opportunities, but it was their propensity late in the game to over-possess the footy rather than bang it forward that frustrated supporters.
Missed chances will haunt the Roos, not only late in the game, but during a spell of dominance in the second term that could have put the game beyond the Demons' reach.
Waubra kicked 2.4 in the second quarter while having the lion's share of possession, and its failure to make the most of opportunities let Bungaree back into the game.
Finlayson produced an outstanding four-quarter performance and Luke Mirtschin led from the front in the first half, but it was the desperation of the Bungaree backline, led by Martin Dufty, that proved the difference in the final term.
Bungaree coach Greg Middleton was pleased with the way his side bounced back from last week's loss to Buninyong.
"Waubra are a quality side and we knew it was going to be tough, but I thought the way we fought out that last quarter was fantastic," Middleton said.
The win puts Bungaree a game clear in third place of both Waubra and Daylesford, and Roos coach Shane Skontra admitted it would be difficult for his side to make the top four from here.
Speaking in the rooms post-match, the importance of Saturday's game wasn't understated by Skontra and it looks as though the round 17 clash with Daylesford will determine fourth spot.
Ash Whelan excelled through the midfield for Waubra along with Paul Dodds, while spearhead Lee Brown kicked two goals, but for the most part was well held by the Bungaree defence.