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A seventh first class century for Sam Whiteman has set up a chance at outright victory for Western Australia on the final day, setting Victoria 454 for victory at the WACA Ground.
Whiteman's 104 as part of a 164 run opening stand with Cameron Bancroft (68) set up an eventual declaration at 5-269 in WA's second innings, Victoria losing opener Travis Dean (3) before the close in reaching 1-43.
Victoria began the day at 7-186, still trailing by 205 runs as Western Australia looking for a swift end to the innings.
They got it courtesy of Matt Kelly, who had Scott Boland (20) caught at point chasing a full outswinger before finding inswing to bowl Will Sutherland for 25.
Mitch Perry (8) was caught down the leg side off Cameron Gannon to end the innings, Victoria all out for 207 to trail by 184 runs on first innings.
Western Australia chose not to enforce the follow on, batting a second time as openers Whiteman and Bancroft opened the innings.
Victoria bowled well without luck as both openers survived to lunch, Whiteman in particular playing and missing on numerous occasions as he continued his vigil in to the second session.
The pair moved the scoreboard on gradually for Western Australia, Whiteman the first to reach 50 as Victoria's resistance was gradually worn down in the afternoon sunshine.
Bancroft was afforded lives on 43 and 45 by Peter Handscomb and Seb Gotch, eventually reaching a half century with a sweep off Jon Holland.
Just as Bancroft began to dream of twin centuries in the match he was bowled by a fine delivery from Scott Boland for 68, as attention began to turn to when WA captain Shaun Marsh would declare the innings closed.
Whiteman reached his ton moments after tea with a late cut through gully, falling shortly after as he skied an attempted pull off Will Sutherland .
Shaun Marsh (34) and Cameron Green (35) produced cameos before the declaration arrived at 5-269, setting Victoria 454 to win.
Travis Dean was an early casualty as he played on to his stumps off Matt Kelly, giving the fast bowler his 100th wicket for Western Australia in the process.
Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb survived the remainder of the session to the close of play, Harris driving nicely for three boundaries in his 18 not out while Handscomb is not out on 22.
The final day's play resumes at 10:30 AM, with all of the action live on 91.3 Sport FM.
IMAGE: Cricket Australia