Darley won the first quarter and was within 14 points at the last change before six final-quarter goals from Melton set up the 18.14 (122) to 14.10 (94) win.

Melton leapfrogged Sebastopol with the victory, just its third of the season, to claim ninth on the table with a three-and-12 record.

Darley is now officially the wooden spooner and anchored to 11th with its zero-and-15 record.

Jarrod Edwards booted five goals for the Devils and Travis Stephenson three, while Travis Minns, Tate Stone and Scott McAllester were other better players.

Brendan Kight and Ash Webber each booted five goals for Melton.

Andrew Hunter, Andrew Heyde, Andrew Bartlett and John Prudek were other better players.

At Eureka Stadium, finals-bound Melton South missed a chance to claim third place after a six-point loss to North Ballarat City.

Melton South's 17.9 (111) to 16.9 (105) defeat means the Panthers sit fifth on the table heading into their last-round bye this weekend.

The Panthers will have 48 points and 96 per cent after the final round, the low percentage meaning that even if results go against teams now on 48 (North City, 3rd, and Redan, 4th), Melton South will not move out of fifth.

Finals venues will be determined this Sunday after round 18 is completed.

BFL: AROUND THE GROUNDS

ROUND 17

Darley 14.10 (94) lt Melton 18.14 (122)

Darley - Goals: Jarrod Edwards 5, Travis Stephenson 3, Scott McAllester, Kyle Doyle, Drew Edwards, Jay May, Darren Leonard, Nicholas Guys

Melton - Goals: Braedan Kight, Ash Webber 5, Saul Grenfell 2, John Prudek, Aidan Butler, Andrew Hunter, Benjamin Kennedy, Jake Buttigieg, Shane Undy

Best: Andrew Hunter, Braedan Kight, Andrew Heyde, Andrew Bartlett, Ash Webber, John Prudek

North Ballarat City 17.9 (111) d Melton South 16.9 (105)

Melton South - Goals: Mathew Sutton 6, Rex Hickman 5, Matthew Sullivan, Matthew Notman 2, Johnathan Doran