Victoria need 102 runs with eight wickets in hand to claim a Sheffield Shield victory against South Australia after a James Pattinson-inspired bowling performance at the MCG.
Pattinson ripped through the Redbacks' top order on Monday's third day before a stubborn late fightback led by tailender Chadd Sayers.
The visitors were bowled out for 230 in their second innings.
Chasing a target of 124 to win, Victoria lost Marcus Harris (7) and first-innings century-maker Peter Handscomb (2), during a tricky 12-over period before stumps.
Travis Dean (10) and Cameron White (2) were able to guide their side to 2-22 at the close of play.
In his first Shield game since the 2016/17 final and back surgery last November, Pattinson had figures of 3-24 from nine overs in the Redbacks' second innings.
"I only bowled a few overs so I'm feeling good," Pattinson told AAP.
"It's not bad for my first game back ... it was handy to get a few wickets and I'm feeling as good as I could be, I suppose.
"I'm bowling at about 85-90 per cent - I just wanted to ease into it - so far so good.
"It's good to contribute to the team ... and for me, it's just about playing and building up each game."
Opener Conor McInerney made 63 off 146 balls and Sayers (56) scored the first half-century of his first-class career to frustrate the home side.
But Pattinson, targeting a Test return in next year's Ashes series, was the story of the day.
He claimed the prized wicket of South Australian danger man Callum Ferguson (17) before lunch with a searing quicker ball that clattered into his off stump.
The 28-year-old then dismissed SA skipper Jake Lehmann (22) and the in-form Tom Cooper for a duck in an encouraging first step in his long journey back to the Test side.
"Obviously, I'd like to play in the Ashes ... everything I do isn't planned for that. It's just that I'd like to be involved," Pattinson said.
"It's just about getting performances on the board now to get selected ... I'm trying not to think too far ahead."
Melbourne's volatile spring weather might be a factor on Tuesday.
Rain and thunderstorms are forecast with the top-of-the-table Vics chasing a third-outright win in a row on a final-day pitch.
Victoria were bowled out on Monday for 351 with a first-innings lead of 107 just 20 minutes after the resumption of play.
Handscomb (123 off 216 balls) turned the match in his side's favour with a gutsy century but he was dismissed on Monday morning off the first ball he faced .
