The Bombers' route to the grand final was made much tougher following back-to-back defeats to finish the home and away season, leaving them with a knockout elimination final clash with Daylesford.

Buninyong coach Jarrod Morgan remains confident his team's best football is good enough to beat any side on its day, but there is no room for error with a do-or-die path to a third-straight decider.

The main selection news centres around the return of important forward Jarrod Rodgers, who is back from an ankle injury for his first game since round 14 against Dunnstown. Rodgers, who has kicked 35 goals in 2014, helps offset the loss of gun onballer Sam Turner, who is likely to miss the remainder of the year with a knee injury.

Daylesford is on the charge after rolling Waubra last weekend, but must turn around a defeat at the hands of the Bombers in round six if it hopes to remain in the premiership hunt.

The Bulldogs, which will also celebrate captain James Evans' 200th senior match for the club, welcome back key figures Rob Rodgers and Cade O'Brien from injury for this encounter.

PREDICTION: Buninyong.