The Bendigo Gold will play its final VFL match against Collingwood. 

It will be a sad night for all involved with the Bendigo Football Club, as the curtain will fall on its 17-year stint in the VFL. 

There is no doubt the decision to fold has been a hard one and in its final game emotions will be running high for all those involved with the club. 

The Gold are also not without a chance of scoring its first win, up against an unfamiliar Magpies side. 

Could they do it? Could they pull it out of the bag and sing their song for the first and ultimately last time?

ND: A Gold victory would be celebrated long and hard by those who have invested so much time and effort into the club.

Hugely disappointing Gold will not go on beyond this contest, so I'm sure every player will be giving their all to achieve a highly sought-after victory.

I know we are up against your boys from Collingwood, but please tell me Magpie that it's Gold you will be cheering for, not the not-so might black and white.  

KA: Of course I will be cheering the Gold on. 

As much as I love the Pies, I would be more than happy to see the Gold get up and win. 

They deserve a win, they have come so close this season, on two occasions they almost recorded a win, but fell short by less than a kick. 

These players will put everything they can into this game. 

ND: Because it's the club's last hurrah and Collingwood draws a crowd wherever it plays, footy fans may have to get to Queen Elizabeth Oval early.

It's a big if, but if Gold can replicate the pressure, skill and teamwork it had in home games against Northern and Casey then Bendigo is a massive chance to win.

The Gold versus Collingwood clash kicks off another huge weekend across Bendigo and district.

The Loddon Valley Football Netball League's finals begin, Heathcote DFL teams contest semi-finals, and there's the Bendigo Lady Braves in a home final against Frankston Blues.

Been a superb run by the Lady Braves, but beating the Blues will not be easy.

KA: The Lady Braves have done extremely well to finish the season on top of the southern conference SEABL ladder, but beating Frankston will be tough. 

The Blues have been in great form, convincingly beating teams in the lead-up to the semi-final. 

But, the Lady Braves have also performed well. 

It should be a great game, that may come down to the wire. 

I am tipping Bendigo, just. 

ND: Defensive intensity will be a key to Bendigo's chances.

The Lady Braves have plenty of attacking options in the key or from three-point range.

The Blues may battle to hold those atacking threats over four quarters.

Home-court advantage always helps, especially in a final and before a vocal crowd.

Bendigo Spirit's success in the past two WNBL grand finals shows just how important playing at home can be.

KA: Hopefully a big crowd can cheer them on. 

It will also be great to see footy fans pack the QEO on Friday night, the Gold deserve a big farewell celebration, regardless if they win or lose.​​