Victoria collapse again after Cartwright's century

A Hilton Cartwright century has put Western Australia within touching distance of hosting the Marsh Sheffield Shield final for the first time since 1997-98.

With an outright victory certain to move WA to the top of the table ahead of next week's decider, they were firmly in control of their final-round clash with Victoria after day two at the WACA.

The 30-year-old former Test batter made 109 as the hosts scored 337, taking a first innings lead of 223 after they'd ripped through the Vics for 114 on day one.

By stumps Victoria had been reduced to 5-82 in their second innings – still 141 runs in arrears – after the WA quicks again broke through their top-order.

"It's put us in a unbelievably strong position to be able to potentially win within three days and obviously the bowlers did a great job at the back half of that (final) session there, so we're in a really nice position to really drive this game forward tomorrow," Cartwright said after play.

"All the coaching staff, they're just been so strong on getting our processes right and I've just been trusting that process. We saw Mitch Marsh in the Big Bash how well he did and that's just flowing on into a lot of guys Shield form as well."

Cartwright's seventh first-class ton included 14 fours and a six, continuing great form after he made 81 last week against NSW.

He was helped by 17-year-old first-class debutant Teague Wyllie, who looked every bit ready for the No.6 job with a classy 42.

His dismissal at the hands of Will Sutherland triggered a mini-collapse in which WA lost 3-15 and fell to 7-307, while the wheels fell off completely when they lost their last three wickets in three balls from Mitch Perry (2-73) and debutant Cameron McClure (2-67).

Earlier, nightwatchman Matthew Kelly enjoyed his stint up the order, whacking 41 off 51 balls batting at No.4 for WA.

Sutherland and James Pattinson were Victoria's best bowlers, each taking three wickets.

Victorian opener Will Pucovski continued his return from a concussion in his side's second dig, but he scored only 11 runs before nicking a Joel Paris delivery to the keeper.

Travis Dean looked in good touch making 29 but was bowled by Aaron Hardie, and Nic Maddinson was trapped leg before to Kelly for five, leaving the Vics reeling at 3-59.

Wickets in consecutive balls for Paris and Lance Morris saw them slump to 5-79, with Peter Handscomb departing bowled in the final over of the day for 20.

Perry (0no) and Matt Short (3no) will resume for Victoria on day three.

Victoria is guaranteed a place in the Shield final beginning on March 31 and if they can miraculously hold on for a draw they will host the decider at the Junction Oval in Melbourne.