A WITHERING six-goal first-term onslaught set up Pakenham's 50-point win over Doveton in Casey Cardinia Football League action on Saturday.

Pakenham 14.21(105) was too good on its windy home turf, Major Recreation Reserve, and heads into the final round of the season in fourth place.

A win over seventh-placed Hampton Park will secure a finals berth for the 2009 premier.

Doveton 7.13(55) matched the Lions for much of the last three quarters, but could not recover from its first-quarter drubbing.

Doveton coach Mark Ladgrove said Pakenham adjusted to the windy match conditions far better than his own side.

"We just didn't handle the conditions," he said.

"We didn't follow instructions and we paid dearly. Pakenham moved the ball better all day, I thought. We have been competitive for the last six weeks where we have had really consistent performances and yesterday we dropped off, which was concerning."

After receiving a spray for not following instructions in the opening term, Doveton's players switched on and kicked seven goals to the Lions' eight in the final three terms.

But the damage had already been done.

The efforts of young Doveton ruckman Vergim Faik did not go unnoticed, with the coach quick to praise his consistent season.

"He was really good on Saturday. Sometimes I have to take stock and realise he is only 19 or 20.

"He is holding down a very important spot in our team and has been a real shining light this year."

Other strong performers for Doveton were Michael Henry and Ryan Pearson. Emerging wing man Travis Hendy took his game up a notch.

Doveton will play Tooradin at home next week in its final match

for the season.