The Eagles' inaccuracy in front of goal almost cost them, but a three-goal to two final term was enough to seal victory, 13.23 (101) to 14.11 (95).

But the big news to come out of the match was a knee injury to full forward Adrian Burgiel during the third term. His chances of playing in the grand final in two weeks are highly doubtful.

Burgiel and brother Hayden, Kal Killoran, Daniel O'Brien and Nick Horsford were big inclusions for the match at Sale, while Traralgon welcomed its own big names with the return of key defenders Sam McCulloch and Jamie Aitken.

The Eagles began the better team with Adrian Burgiel booting the first two goals, but the Maroons matched them for the rest of the term with Maffra leading by 11 points at the first break.

Traralgon used the ``speed kills'' mantra issued by coach Steve Hazelman to great affect in the second term, playing on at every opportunity to make the most of the Eagles' lack of match fitness in recent weeks.

The Maroons booted 6.5 to seven behinds to lead by 23 points at half-time.

The Eagles became frustrated with their opponents and the umpiring with skill errors creeping into their game.

Maffra settled in the third term with the first three goals from Horsford, Kel Porter and, in a rare foray forward, Sam Bristow to cut the margin to three points.

A goal from Daniel Stubbe levelled the scores approaching time-on, but the Maroons took back the lead after Tim Darby booted two goals from almost the identical position outside the 50 metre arc.

O'Brien set up Stubbe's second goal late in the quarter to cut the deficit to three points at the final change.

Sam Walker's great run out of defence eventually led to a goal from Brent Connelly, which put the Eagles in front in the opening minute of the final term.

The Maroons replied with a goal after Tim Aitken outmuscled Bristow.