Inverleigh will play either Thomson or Bell Post Hill in the Geelong & District Football League grand final after two close semi-finals were played on the weekend.
Inverleigh defeated Thomson by nine points in the second semi-final on Saturday September 2 while Bell Post Hill ended East Geelong’s season with an eight-point victory in the first semi-final on Sunday September 3. Both games were played at St Albans.
Thomson held sway by 14 points at the last change and held Inverleigh scoreless during the third term.
But a four goal to none final quarter saw the Hawks home and into the grand final.
Inverleigh’s last flag was 31 years ago, but the club has a chance to end the drought on September 16.
The Hawks will regain Dalton Grundell, who pulled out of the match with a hamstring complaint.
Ruckman Luke Wilson was the standout player on the ground and his battle with Thomson big man Andrew Jarvis was a highlight.
Inverleigh has now won 11 consecutive games.
For the Tigers, Brent Jacques booted four goals in a superb display while Andrew Mead-Harding kicked three.
Thomson will meet Bell Post Hill in the preliminary final after a rousing eight-point win against East Geelong.
The Eagles drew level after booting the first three majors of the final term, but Panthers’ skipper Jack Yates kicked the late sealer.
Tim Barton was best afield, but was reported for attempting to strike.
Panthers star Will Ford booted four goals.
