The two were clearly the best sides in the competition, finishing the season on 64 points with 16 wins and two losses each and separated by just 9.85 percentage points.

They looked dead-set certainties to fight out the grand final. But Doveton's 41-point loss in Saturday's second semi-final and Ramsdale's report have opened up the premiership race and the Eagles will have to overcome an improved Mt Waverley, which finished fourth, in next week's preliminary final if it's to play off for the premiership.

Skye exploited Doveton's slow start and cleared out to an early four-goal lead.

Ramsdale made his presence felt and kicked his side's first three goals to reduce the margin to 11 points before he was reported and sent off in the second quarter.

Michael Gardner and Matthew Poore stepped up to fill the Ramsdale void in the forward 50, booting two goals each, but Skye proved it was the clear premiership favourite with a dominant second half, winning 19.13(127) to 13.8(86). Doveton president Paul Davis said Skye wanted the ball more and, while he was disappointed with the loss, he was confident the Eagles could regroup and meet Skye in the grand final.

"[The second chance] is the only positive we can take from the game. Skye just wanted the ball more. They were in front all day and we just couldn't peg them back.

"Both teams are very even across the ground and either side is capable of blowing away the other."