Lancaster 2.2, 3.2, 6.4 8.7 (55)
Tallygaroopna's bid to become the second team in the past decade to win back-to-back Kyabram District League premierships remains alive, after a clinical performance against Lancaster on Saturday.
An 85-point drubbing of the Wombats in the preliminary final at Dookie Recreation Reserve is certain to instil belief back into a group that had gone undefeated for almost two years.
The reigning premier looked to have regained its mojo on Saturday after coming off a brutal second semi-final loss to Nagambie last weekend.
But it was the hunger and intent from Tally's players that would have the coaching staff and supporters proud of their grand final bound outfit.
A thumping fist from Brett Sheriff - in the match-winning six-goal second term - at centre half-back, followed by a flood of teammates swarming forward, ended with a goal to Josh Wellington and capped off Tally's ferocious hunger.
Tally's superb attack on the ball meant that Lancaster, who was clinical last week by foot, coughed up the ball far too many times.
Apart from a positive third term from the Wombats, they were out-muscled and outplayed for most of the match, as their terrific season came to an end with a 21.14 (140) to 8.7 (55) loss.
Tallygaroopna coach Kevin O'Donoghue said after the match that he was impressed with his players and the way they were able to respond from last weekend's loss.
"I'm very proud of their efforts," he said.
"Sometimes when you get a hiding like we did last week, you hope to see a response, but you just never know.
"But knowing the way the boys went about things at training, I was confident of seeing a response."
"And I'm so proud of the guys that they did (respond)."
Under blue skies and with a slight breeze, Lancaster started the match where it ended last week in the win against Stanhope, with damaging entries inside forward 50.
However, two wayward shots gave Tallygaroopna all it needed to get its hands on the ball and swiftly move it with pin-point passes out of defence.
The Redlegs then kicked five straight majors with Tyson Sidebottom (two goals) hitting the scoreboard in his return from a hand injury.
It was much of the same in the second term for Tally, with Sean Arnold and teenage sensation Jai Utiger starring across the forward flank and combining for eight goals between them.
But for all of Tally's dominance forward of centre, the sturdy backline only let slip three goals in the first half, with Sam Muggleton firing.
O'Donoghue said it was a well-rounded performance from his side.
"Our back six were rock solid today," he said.
"It was hard work in the midfield, it was a real grind.
"I thought the forward line jelled really well together."
Midfielder Adam Brassil earned the praise of the senior coach, leading the midfield brigade of star performers Mat Pianto, Tim Karolidis and Austin Tricarico,
"I was really happy with Adam's game, he just kept working hard all day," O'Donoghue said.
"And he had a job on (James) Ross, who was important to them last week, and nullified his impact."
However, the win was soured with the final-quarter injury to Pianto, who came off clutching at his hamstring.
O'Donoghue said the extent of the injury would not be known until scans during the week.
Lancaster finished its season with two strong final victories and a surprise preliminary final appearance from sixth on the ladder.
On Saturday, Wombats Adam Vick Nick Ryan, Tom Davies and Zach Cerrone (three goals) were all serviceable.
7°C