The defending champion shot a six-under par 66 in the damp conditions to close to within one shot of leaders Craig Hancock and Tim Hart.

Hart, the overnight leader, failed to improve his score of nine-under to enter the final day tied with Tasmanian Hancock.

Hancock continued his consistent tournament form to card a four-under par 68.

Patrick Wilson will need a big final day, after sinking from second to sixth place with a round of one-over 73.

Jager was the day's biggest mover, coming back from seven shots off the pace to gain a sniff of back-to-back titles.

An eagle on the 17th was the 21-year-old's best hole in the bogey-free round.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times