There will be a new Mininera District Football League premier this season after Tatyoon knocked out 2017 flag winners Lismore-Derrinallum.
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The teams battled through poor conditions at Hawkesdale on Sunday in a much anticipated elimination final.
The Hawks had been in poor form leading into the match but history was on their side, beating the Demons twice this year including a one-point thriller.
It was the reigning premiers who made the stronger start however, kicking four goals to one to take a commanding lead in difficult conditions for scoring.
“We knew it would be a tough match against a very good opposition and they jumped us at the start,” Tatyoon coach Simon Brearley said.
“We had to play catch up footy in very ordinary conditions. There just was not enough pressure in the first quarter.”
The Hawks were able to get things going in the second quarter but still trailed by 16 points at the main break.
It was the third term where they really hit their straps, kicking three goals and keeping the Demons scoreless to take the lead.
“Our focus from quarter-time on was to increase defensive pressure. We were able to do that and take control of the game,” Brearley said.
As the conditions worsened, scoring became even more difficult in the final term.
Both sides showed desperation to keep their seasons alive, but it was Tatyoon who was able to hold on, winning 5.10 (40) to 5.6 (36) in a goalless final term.
The Demons had a chance to win the game after the siren, but reigning Lewis Medallist Michael Lockyer missed a difficult set shot as the Hawks held on.
“There was a little bit of relief mixed in with reward for effort because we thought we deserved the win,” Brearley said.
“We were all a bit nervous when Lockyer had that shot but it was a tough kick, we had missed all of our shots from that part of the ground all day.”
The Demons were kept goalless for the second half of the match, a feat Brearley was very proud of.
“To keep any side to one goal in two quarters, regardless of the conditions is a good effort,” he said.
“I thought we controlled the majority of the game but either side could have come away with the win.”
The Hawks will meet Glenthompson-Dunkeld in another elimination final next weekend.
In the reserves, Moyston-Willaura set up a qualifying final with SMW Rovers next weekend, beating Wickliffe-Lake Bolac on Saturday. The Magpies will face off with Glenthompson-Dunkeld in an elimination final.