The Bendigo Bombers have cemented their place in the top eight after defeating Collingwood by eight points yesterday.
 
The game, which took place at Bendigo's Strathfieldsaye Reserve, was a must-win for the eighth-placed Bombers in order to guarantee a finals berth.
 
Bendigo led the sixth-placed Collingwood by a small margin for the entirety of the match to finish with a score of 12.12 (84) over Collingwood's 10.16 (76).
 
Essendon's Leroy Jetta, Jake Melksham, David Myers, Ricky Dyson and Stewart Crameri were named among the best players for Bendigo.
 
Tom Bellchambers and Jake Carlisle also made their contribution count, each scoring two majors.
 
SCORES:
Bendigo Bombers - 4.1, 8.7, 10.9, 12.12 (84)
Collingwood - 2.3, 3.7, 7.13, 10.16 (76)