Kilmore is hoping to earn a fourth shot at Laurimar in the Northern Football Netball League division three finals after its second two-point loss to the Power and third overall on Saturday.

Similar to the round two match between the sides, the Power kicked a late goal to go up by two points and held their nerve in the last two minutes of a tense, low-scoring 5.9 (39) to 5.7 (37) thriller.

Star onballer Chris Ryall was outstanding in a losing effort for Kilmore, doing everything but kick straight in front of goals and finishing with 1.5 for the afternoon.

Tom McMillan played a negating role on Power star Jacob Lawson, and Steve McIntyre was as reliable as ever in defence.

Ciaran Barton was a welcome addition to the Blues’ line-up, adding run from half back.

Kilmore coach Nathan Phillips said despite the loss it had been one of his team’s most complete performances this season.

With three losses by less than a goal from the teams’ past four meetings, Phillips said he was sure Kilmore’s luck would turn if the sides met again in the finals.

“You’re never happy losing, but it’s probably the most content I’ve been with a loss. We’ve come a long way from eight weeks ago when we played them last and they beat us by seven goals,” he said.

“We were a bit stiff in the last quarter. A few things didn’t go our way that arguably could have.

“I think it’s our turn for a win. I know [their coach] and after the game I told him ‘give us a go’.

“We’ll take a lot of belief out of the loss and some confidence, but we’re not patting ourselves on the back for losing either.”

Kilmore will play Old Eltham Collegians in the penultimate game of the season in what amounts to a preview of an elimination final between the sides.

Phillips said the Blues would hold nothing back for the clash.

“People ask whether you play your hand or leave a bit in the tank,” he said.

“You’ve just got to back in your system and your game plan. We won’t be trying to hide anyone or change anything up too much.

“It’s worked twice against them, and at the moment I think we’re playing as well as we have this season despite the loss.

“We’re rapt to have a few games to challenge ourselves and see where we’re at.”