Wandin rounded out their home-and-away season in strong fashion on Saturday, overcoming a slow start to defeat Upwey by 26 points at the Wandin Recreation Reserve.
Upwey came out firing, booting the first three goals of the match to shock the home side into action.
But from there Wandin steadily wrestled back control, restricting the Tigers to just one more goal in the first half.
Inaccuracy in front of goal was all that stopped the Bulldogs from breaking the contest wide open before the main break.
The third quarter proved decisive.
Wandin finally found their rhythm in attack, piling on 6.1 to swing the momentum firmly in their favour.
The burst gave them the buffer they needed, and while Upwey battled bravely, the damage had been done.
In the end, Wandin 12.19 (91) defeated Upwey 9.11 (65).
The loss also brought an end to Upwey’s 2025 campaign, with coach Stuart Hill overseeing his final game at the helm.
Despite showing flashes of their best, the Tigers were unable to sustain the pressure required against the ladder leaders.
For Wandin, the victory capped off a remarkable season, finishing with a 17-1 record and securing top spot on the ladder.
The Bulldogs will now enjoy a week off in the first week of finals as they prepare for a deep September run.
Cody Hirst was outstanding for the winners, with Cayden and Chayce Black also among the best.
For Upwey, Sam Raru battled hard and was named his side’s best player.
