The Bombers’ unbeaten run stretched to 18 games with the 8.16 (64) to 7.8 (50) result, but they were made to work far harder than in most of their previous outings.
Katandra, which finished third on the ladder, had been blown away by Waaia in their most recent meeting, but lifted significantly this time to keep the contest alive until the final quarter.
The Kats led at the first break and trailed by a point at half-time, before the game turned into a genuine arm wrestle in the third term.
Waaia managed five behinds to Katandra’s solitary point, but it was enough to edge the Bombers further in front heading into the last change.
The final quarter belonged to Waaia’s composure.
While Katandra kept pressing, the Bombers straightened up in front of goal, adding three majors to steady and protect their advantage.
Charlie Burrows proved the difference in attack with three goals, while Callum Leighton Daly, Harvey Walker and James Carpenter all chipped in.
Waaia’s season record now sits at a perfect 18 straight wins heading into the grand final.
Katandra, which ended Tungamah’s season in the previous weekend’s semi-final, had been one of the stories of 2025 with a 13-3 record.
It was again well served by Bailey Bell (three goals) and Jarrad Newman, named its best.
If Waaia was tested, Katamatite took the opposite route on Sunday.
The Tigers advanced with a commanding 98-29 victory over Deniliquin Rovers in the second preliminary final, putting the result beyond doubt with a 6.5 to 1.0 second quarter.
Katamatite finished 14.14 (98) to 4.5 (29), ensuring that its 13-3 campaign now extends to a shot at the ultimate prize.
It sets up a fitting finale at Memorial Park, Deniliquin, on Saturday.
Waaia, the only undefeated side in the competition, against Katamatite, which finished second and was narrowly the closest challenger across the home and away season.
The last time the two sides met was in round 15.
It was a day that Waaia was at its accurate and punishing best, winning 14.7 (91) to 7.11 (53) at Katamatite.
The Bombers enter the grand final as favourites after a season where they posted a percentage of 346.60 and wins as big as 181 points, but Katamatite has shown that at its best, it can compete with anyone.
The Tigers’ defensive steel and spread of goal-kickers will be crucial if they are to become the first side to topple Waaia this year.
For Waaia, the challenge is continuing what has been a flawless run.
It has cleared every hurdle, from tight battles with Katandra to dominant wins over lower-ranked sides, and now stands one game away from a perfect season.
An undefeated flag is rare and on Saturday at Deniliquin Waaia has the chance to etch itself into Picola District Football League history.
Meanwhile, an epic showdown has been confirmed on the netball courts with Deniliquin Rovers and Katandra winning through to the big dance at the weekend.
The Rovers ended Dookie United’s fairytale season back in the PDFNL on Saturday, beating the Thunder 39-26 to move one step closer to adding another flag to its mantle.
Hoping to upset the apple cart is Katandra, which skipped past Katamatite in Sunday’s preliminary bout 40-30 to meet Deniliquin on its home court come Saturday.
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