The Tigers roared out of the blocks at Nathalia Recreation Reserve after weathering some early blows, dousing Mulwala’s fire to ensure a spot in the grand final for the first time since 2022.
However, it could have been a different story if the Lions hadn’t been contained.
Mulwala’s Zach Scott kicked the game’s first goal less than two minutes in before teammate Tom Dow followed suit not long after – and if Cobram needed a rocket, the Lions’ quick fire double seemed to provide it.
The Tigers added four goals in the ensuing 15 minutes to swing the contest, and the surge produced a 27-18 quarter-time lead.
Despite some wayward kicking from Cobram, it soon became one-way traffic for the yellow and black, and by half-time, the Tigers had more than doubled Mulwala’s score to hold a 51-25 advantage.
But finals never stay one-way for long.
Mulwala found a pulse after the main break, surging through with repeat entries to slice the margin back to 13 points at three-quarter time.
An evenly keeled fourth term saw three goals added by both sides, meaning Cobram’s lightning second quarter proved the catalyst behind the crucial victory at the siren.
Cobram linchpin Tyron Baden was effective throughout and was judged best afield in the win, while Jackson Trengove was immense as per usual.
For Mulwala, seven goal star Charley McKenna was laser-like inside the arc.
The Tigers now have the task of knocking over undefeated Congupna in the grand final, a feat they almost achieved in the last home and away round when they fell to The Road by just five points.
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