Wickliffe-Lake Bolac had an early scare but eventually went on to beat Penshurst and book a spot in a third consecutive Mininera District Football League senior grand final.
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There was plenty on the line at Tatyoon on Saturday, with the winner of the clash to book a spot in the grand final.
Having gone through the season undefeated, the Magpies were firm favourites to clinch the first spot in the final match of the season.
However it was the Bombers who made the jump early, taking advantage of some inaccuracy from the minor premiers.
Penshurst took an 11-point lead at the first break, with the Magpies going goalless in the first quarter.
“We were really slow out of the blocks. It was far from the ideal start,” Wickliffe-Lake Bolac co-coach Nigel Otto said.
“We definitely weren’t as switched on as we would have liked. They came out, started well and got the jump on us.
“Just early on we weren’t very accountable. They were first to the footy which we needed to change.”
It was only a momentary lapse for the Magpies, as they came out and stamped their authority on the contest in the second term.
They booted seven majors to take control and did not let go for the rest of the match.
A 10 goals to three second half led the Magpies to a 17.14 (116) to 7.8 (50) victory.
“It was pleasing we fought back and didn’t lose our focus,” Otto said.
“We played some good footy in the last half. Midway through the second quarter we could feel ourselves getting on top and start to take control.”
James Quayle led the way for the Magpies, booting eight goals in a best on ground performance.
“Obviously James was a standout. He was dangerous inside 50 all day,” Otto said.
“Lachie Whiting was also really solid over four quarters.”
The Magpies progress to a third consecutive senior grand final with the win.
They have fallen short in the last two seasons but are now primed to go one better and win the ever elusive premiership.
Otto said he is excited for his side to have another crack at the flag.
“We are rapt to have another chance at it,” he said.
“We have gotten close and fallen short the last few years but we have given ourselves the best chance possible to come away with a different result this year.”
The Magpies will face either Penshurst or Tatyoon in the decider, with the two teams to face off in a preliminary final next weekend.
Wickliffe-Lake Bolac has another week off this weekend following its win. The grand final will be just its second game in four weeks.