South and the Maine will meet in a cut-throat first semi-final at Eaglehawk.

The match will be South’s first final since returning to division one in 2013-14, while Castlemaine hasn’t played finals since 2011-12, or won a final since 2007-08.

Both sides ended the home and away season with 9-5 records, with two of the losses South has suffered having been at the hands of the Maine, which won their two encounters by six and one shot.

This season’s meetings: Castlemaine 93 def South Bendigo 87; Castlemaine 83 def South Bendigo 82.

Prediction: South Bendigo by 6.

• Bendigo East and Bendigo are no strangers to playing each other in finals.

They have played each other in finals in five of the past seven years, including the past two grand finals, and will lock horns again at South Bendigo in the second semi-final.

The winner will take the direct route through to the grand final on March 19.

The Beasties are 2-0 against Bendigo this season, although, the Benders are back up and about after winning their past three games leading into the finals by a combined 89 shots.

This season’s meetings: Bendigo East 96 def Bendigo 89; Bendigo East 96 def Bendigo 84.

Prediction: East by 5.