Just percentage separates the fourth-placed Bulls and fifth-placed Magpies heading into their do-or-die match.

It will be their third and final meeting for the season.

The Magpies won by three points in round five, but the Bulls responded with a 53-point triumph in round 12.

Neither side has been in stellar form recently.

The Magpies will return from the bye after a 25-point win over wooden-spooner Donald.

But the Magpies had lost six of their previous eight games heading into that clash.

The Bulls will also head in with a win against the Royal Blues to their name, but it was preceeded by losses to each of the competition's top three teams.

Pivotal to the Bulls' chances of reaching the finals just one year after winning the competition's wooden spoon will be forward Daniel Castellano. Castellano, recruited by the Bulls this season, has kicked three bags of eight goals in his past five matches, earning best-on-ground honours in each.

Joel Cusack and Zac Holmes have also been in strong form for the Bulls.

The Magpies will look to stars such as Cam Millward and Jesse Smith to continue their form and guide the club to its first finals series since 2011.

Donald will have one last opportunity to pick up a win in 2014.

The Royal Blues will host sixth-placed Wycheproof-Narraport at Donald Recreation Reserve.

But it will be by no means an easy task for the hosts. The Demons proved they were capable of matching the competition's best by beating premiership contender Charlton at the weekend.

They have also won their previous two meetings against the Royal Blues this season by an average of 49 points.

Wedderburn and Charlton will have an opportunity to size each other up heading into the first week of finals.

The Redbacks have secured the minor premiership, while the Navy Blues are guaranteed to finish second with third-placed St Arnaud having a bye.