The young Tigers could not match it with reigning premier Dennington on Saturday as it lost by 40 goals.

But co-coach Helen Gleesoon said there was positives to come out of the big loss.

"We have lost two more senior girls to pregnancy since we played Dennington last, and when we looked at the last time we lost by 40 goals as well, so we were happy with that stat,” she said.

"I think it indicates that our younger girls are learning and improving. So it is good to see that we haven't gone backwards despite only having one girl over 19."

Merrivale must now decide if it continues to play its young players or saves them for junior finals.

The closest match of the round was between South Rovers and Russells Creek, with the Lions winning by one goal.

It was a thrilling finish to the match, which had several lead changes, with Russells Creek fighting back to the very end.

The Roos trailed by five goals at the final break, though outscored the Lions 11-7 in the last term.