The Lions will need to defeat minor premier Merrivale next Saturday to earn a coveted spot in the season decider.

Coach Kylie Carter expects a similar encounter to yesterday, when scores were locked at 38 apiece when the final whistle went at Reid Oval.

It forced the sides into 14 minutes of extra time, with Kristyn Abbott replacing Mandy Knee in wing attack for Rovers due to an ankle injury to the latter.

"Mandy hurt her ankle last week," Carter said.

"She's as tough as anything.

"It was pretty sore at half-time but she kept playing, I didn't even realise how sore it was.

"She went to the beach after the game.

"Hopefully she's right for next week."

Panmure netted the first goal in extra time to take the lead but it was the only time the Bulldogs hit the front for the rest of the game.

Three successive goals from South Rovers ensured it gained control of the match before winning 46-43.

Carter said the Lions had a focus on midcourt pressure at training last week, which was evident during yesterday's match.

Rovers forced several turnovers in the centre third, particularly during extra time.

Panmure had plenty of the ball in the dying minutes but inaccurate shooting proved costly while the determination from Lions goal defence Lauren Aitchison saw her rack up several deflections and intercepts.

Down the other end, the anticipation from Bulldogs defender Emma Roache enabled her to constantly send the ball back into Panmure's attack.

Despite her efforts, when Rovers goalers Rhiannon Davis and Haley Kelson did get the ball, they were able to sink shots under pressure to steer their side to victory.

Davis was best for the Lions while Roache was the stand-out for the Bulldogs.

"It was just a really tight game which could've gone either way," Carter said.

"There had to be a loser and we're lucky it wasn't us.

"We knew we had to fight for every ball like Panmure do."

Despite the loss, first-year Panmure coach Mandy Condon was still satisfied with the Bulldogs' season.