South Barwon is into its first Geelong Football League grand final in a decade by holding in a nailbiting second semi-final finish against St Mary’s at West Oval Reserve on Saturday September 9.
St Mary’s had a chance to win the game with a Patrick Dowling kick after the siren, however the tough chance sailed wide for a behind to signal a 6.13(49) to 6.10(46) win to South Barwon.
The Swans had only kicked one goal to half time, but in what was a low-scoring slog, booted five to three after the break to sneak home.
Fraser Fort dragged down 10 marks, had 20 disposals and kicked two goals for South Barwon while Harry Cunningham also booted two majors.
Young ruckman Ben Kellett stood tall and had 32 hitouts while Kelly O’Neil continued his impressive season with another strong game.
Sam Dobson was St Mary’s only dual goalkicker with two to take his season’s tally to 62. Dobson also took nine marks. Nick Connors and Sam Bourke were best.
Leopold ended Colac’s season with a 17-point triumph.
Mitch Patten was the star with five of Leopold’s nine goals in the 9.17(71) to 7.12(54) win.
Key defender Trent Thompson played a starring role while partner in crime Tevan Nofi was freed up to take intercept marks in defence.
Oliver Tate racked up 35 disposals in the midfield while Trent West had 54 hitouts and Logan Wagener had 16 kicks and 14 handballs.
Zach Zdybel tried his best for Colac with 25 touches as did Kody Spokes.
Leopold will take on St Mary’s in the preliminary final at Leopold on Saturday September 16 starting at 2.10pm.
Newtown & Chilwell meets South Barwon in the A Grade netball at 2.30pm.
