By David Nagel
Overcoming the heartache of a one-point grand final loss is now just one step away for Buln Buln after the Lyrebirds booked their place on football’s biggest day with a 27-point triumph over Ellinbank.
The Lyrebirds, who lost the Ellinbank and District big-one to Neerim South by the narrowest of margins last year, will now sit back and enjoy a week’s rest after overcoming a brave first-half challenge from the Eagles to score an 8.8.56 to 4.5.29 victory.
Leading by just two points at the major interval, the Lyrebirds kicked 5.4 to 1.3 after the break to earn their shot at glory.
On a day when six-pointers were treated like gold, two goals each to Trent Baker and Reece Campbell were major factors in the win, while Jake Pierrehumbert, Mitch Nobelius and speed-machine Riley Rundell also had an impact when required.
Ben Wragg, Bryce Joyce and Liam Anderson were best for Ellinbank, who now take on a red-hot Neerim South in Saturday’s preliminary final at Lang Lang.
The Cats backed up their 69-point elimination final victory over Poowong with an imperious display against Trafalgar, leading by 38 points at quarter time on their way to a 15.15.105 to 3.6.24 thumping.
Neerim South was frugal throughout the contest, allowing the Bloods just one goal until three-quarter time.
The Cats had five multiple goal-kickers, with Isaac Fuller booting four, Tyssen Morrow and Tom Muir three each, while Ayden Ramm and skipper Kody Wilson slotted two between the big sticks.
Ramm, Wilson and Muir were outstanding for the Cats, who take on Ellinbank in the preliminary final for the second time in two years.
Neerim South won last year’s encounter by eight points, before defeating Buln Buln in the big one.
Results: Finals – Week 2
Second Semi-Final: Buln Buln 8.8.56 def Ellinbank 4.5.29. First Semi-Final: Trafalgar 3.6.24 def by Neerim South 15.15.105.
Fixture: Finals – Week 3
SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER – LANG LANG
Preliminary Final: Ellinbank (2) v Neerim South (4).
