The final five minutes were tense, after Daylesford conceded a goal after being 2-0 up and had to fend off the six Forest rangers strikers peppering the goals in the dying minutes. 

Daylesford went into the match with the return of Jarrod Prosier in goals and he made a match-winning save in the second half to deny a shot floating into the corner.

Francis Comber had a best on ground performance in defense, making some great tackles and runs up field. 

The pick of the attackers was Gonzalo Silva, who and put in the passes that won the game for Daylesford, including the first goal. Silva was back to his brilliant best, along with outstanding performances from Dragi Koleski, Hiroshi Masuda and Jordy Barnes. 

Forest was the better of the teams in the first half and had some good chances to go ahead, but failed to put them away. After a revving speech from supercoach Dragi Koleski, Daylesford went into the second half with a much better effort.

Andrew Barnham and Ivan Carter lifted to provide some certainty and resistance in defense. 

Koleski put away a goal for good measure, another brilliant header from the league champion. Jordi Barnes was the difference up front, along with the strength and grit of Sean Hardman.

Daylesford has missed their seasoned captain Shanka Hackenburger, who has been out with knee surgery since round four, and also the former VPL Preston Lions star Zoran Drogriski, who has also had a serious knee injury.

Both stars hope to return for the grand final to stamp their authority on the game. 

The win takes Daylesford into the grand final clash with league champions Buninyong Redbacks.

Daylesford lost 5-3 to the Redbacks only two weeks ago, but won 6-4 the week before that in the last game of the season. 

The grand final match between Daylesford and Redback will be held at the Stadium Pitch at Morshead Park in Ballarat at 2pm on Saturday.

Final score: 2-1.

Best: Francis Comber, Gonzalo Silva, Dragi Koleski, Hiroshi Masuda, Ivan Carter.