A loss to fourth-placed Parkes Panthers means Orange Tigers’ final round AFL Central West clash is critical as they look to secure a top-two spot and a finals double chance.

The Tigers went down 8.7 (55) to 5.7 (37) at Northparkes Oval.

It leaves the Tigers on 32 competition points in second heading into its final round clash against first-placed Cowra (56).

A win or draw is paramount for Orange as Bathurst Bushrangers, (28, 127.44 percentage) has a superior percentage to Orange’s 93.08. Bathurst Bushrangers play fifth-placed Dubbo (eight) in the final round.

Orange’s women’s and tier one men’s side had byes.

The women’s side got the news they wanted with Cowra’s women’s side losing to Dubbo. That means Orange are assured of a finals berth in fourth place.

Orange’s tier one men’s side finish their season this Saturday (August 17) when they host Bathurst Giants.