Daylesford win, a double chance in the finals. Daylesford lose, just one chance in the finals.

That is what Daylesford's title defence could boil down to.

If the Bulldogs beat Hepburn a top three finish is assured, as is a spot in the qualifying final.

Hepburn beat the Bulldogs and Daylesford will most likely meet Buninyong in an elimination final.

Daylesford have the added incentive of dealing Hepburn a psychological blow before finals, with a Burras loss sure to bring them level on wins with Daylesford and Learmonth.

There is also the Spa Country derby, which is sure to attract a big crowd from all over the Bendigo Bank Central Highlands Football League.

But a fairytale win, which would give Daylesford massive finals momentum, may not be on the cards.

Hepburn may have lost its only game this year to the Bulldogs but you can be sure coach Shane Robertson will not let his charges make the same mistake twice.

They have the polish that has all but earned the Burras the minor premiership.

Even without gun forward Lee Cox, the Burras have still kicked 27 goals in the last two weeks.

Bulldog forwards Michael Cummings and Andrew Button will feature tomorrow against Hepburn's Gary Byers and Alan Ware, while coach Robertson may miss Cox in Hepburn's goal square.

Similarly, Daylesford coach Darren McColl is still without dual Geoff Taylor medallist Luke Adams.

Adams would be a big help as the Bulldog midfield of Joel Adams, Scott Winduss and Cade O'Brien take on Hepburn's Danny James, Danny Abbott, Andy McKay and Salesi Uhi.

So despite the match-ups, possibilities, psychological battles and derbies it really comes down to one rule - win the ball, win the match.

PREDICTION: Hepburn to win, Daylesford to play in the elimination final.