Bendigo’s finals hopes now hinge on theirfinal game of the season next Friday night after they went down to Port Melbouneby 53 points in the VFL yesterday afternoon.

Bendigo stayed in the game during thefirst half before a nine goal to three second half blew the game away.

Essendon ruckman David Hille played hisbest game since returning to VFL level, impressing with his ruck work and ingeneral play around the ground.

Defender Tayte Pears was also among thebest and would be in line for a senior recall after injuries to both DustinFletcher (groin) and Jake Carlisle (ankle) in yesterday’s loss to Carlton.

Yesterday’s result was Bendigo’s fifthconsecutive loss, with a win against Box Hill on Friday night at QueenElizabeth Oval their only way to make finals.

Port Melbourne 16.10.106

Bendigo 8.5.53

Goal kickers

Port Melbourne: D. Galea 4, J.Scipione 4, C. Cain 3, T. Allan , A. Bentick , J. Baird , A. Bonaddio , W.Skipper

Bendigo: M. Little 3, S. Stroobants , J. Thompson , C.Dell''Olio , A. Steinberg , M. Baguley

Best

Port Melbourne: J. Baird, T. Pinwill, S. Valenti, J. Scipione,W. Skipper, T. Allan