INFLUENTIAL: Caloundra's Thomas Rudolph in action on Saturday.
Patrick Woods
The Panthers produced a dominant 18.19 (127) to 10.9 (69) performance to survive an elimination final at Carter Park.
After finishing the 10-team regular season in fourth place, his side showed some promising signs against the fifth-placed Kings.
It was the Panthers' sixth win in their past seven outings and it set up another cut-throat clash next weekend, against the Pumas at Logan.
"I know we'll be very competitive next week against Springwood down there," Moody said.
"We knocked them over pretty easy last week (by 92 points there) which gave us a bit of confidence and playing good football at this time of year is really important."
Caloundra has beaten the Pumas on both occasions they've met this season and the third-placed southerners were badly beaten by second-placed Maroochydore in a qualifying final at Kuluin on Saturday.
So the signs are good for the Panthers to ensure the last three teams in the south-east Queensland division one competition are Sunshine Coast outfits.
Some of Moody's men are playing particularly well too, including half-back Trent Saxelby.
"He's a fantastic runner," the coach said. "He's got pace to burn. He has had a great season and he's been our Colts coach this year too for the first time."
Tom Rudolph showed his wares against the Kings, with a gritty opening to the game.
"He's a class act in our side," Moody said.
Young forward James Barnes continues to impress.
"He battles and he chases and he's added an extra dimension to his game."
The Panthers will welcome ex-Brisbane Lions enforcer Daniel Merrett back for the minor semi-final.