The Bendigo Pioneers girls suffered a 21-point loss which put them out of the race for a finals berth, while the under-18 boys copped a third-straight defeat as the Cannons won by 16 points.

The under-18 girls game was basically a mini-final and the Pioneers couldn't capitalise on a strong defensive first half.

Elizabeth Snell kicked the only goal of the half to give the Pioneers a six-point advantage at the main break.

The home side took over in the second half, adding 4.4 to 0.1 to win 4.6 (30) to 1.3 (9).

The result left the Pioneers in seventh place with one round remaining. The top four teams qualify for the finals and the Pioneers are one game and the best part of 100 per cent behind the fourth-placed Cannons.

Key defender Kate Douglass, who has arguably been the Pioneers' most consistent player this season, was best for Bendigo.

Brooke Hards, Dakota Villiva, Jemma Finning, Bree Heiden and Tahlia Coad also played well for Bendigo against the Cannons.

The under-18 girls final home and away game is at the QEO next Sunday against Oakleigh.

Meanwhile, the under-18 boys were left to lament a slow start against the Cannons.

The home side kicked four unanswered goals inside the first 11 minutes of the game.

Calder only scored three more goals for the game, but the damage had been done.

Riley Ironside and Caleb Fisher kicked goals for the Pioneers either side of quarter-time to reduce the margin to 15 points, but the Cannons responded with two goals in time-on of the second term.

The Pioneers again made a charge in the third quarter to get within 15 points, but another Cannons goal in time-on proved pivotal.

The final quarter was an arm-wrestle, with Pioneers' first-gamer Zavier Murley kicking the only goals of the quarter.

The Cannons won 7.10 (52) to 5.6 (36).

Josh Treacy, Ironside, Sam Conforti, skipper James Schischka and defenders Braydon Vaz and Will Wallace were best for the Pioneers.

The Pioneers, who now have a 2-3 record, will look to get back on the winners' list next Sunday when they host the Tasmania Devils at the QEO from 11am. The Devils also have a 2-3 record.

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.