Gippsland Times | STRATFORD'S shot at back-to-back East Gippsland football premierships is over, after suffering a 17-point loss at the hands of Lindenow in Saturday's preliminary final.
The 9.15 (69) to 13.8 (86) result was Stratford's third loss to the Cats this season and sees the reigning premier eliminated from the finals race in straight sets.
After looking a strong chance to create premiership history for much of the year, the Swans stocks have been decimated over the past month, with inaccuracy in front of goal doing little to aid their chances on the weekend.
Despite not having a complete list of the Bairnsdale ring-ins who it used so effectively throughout the season, Lindenow showed it still has enough talent among their ranks to compete for a premiership.
After a tight first two quarters, nothing could separate the sides at the long break.
The third quarter again saw both teams neck-and-neck throughout, as the Cats made the most of their fewer opportunities to take a four-point lead into the final change.
Full of confidence that they could again knock off their highly-fancied opponents, the Cats booted four final quarter goals to run away from the Swans.
Rodney Harrison kicked four majors for Lindenow and was well-supported by Darren Allen, who kicked two goals, and best-on-ground Dale Walkinshaw.
For Stratford, Lachlan Heywood and Lachie Channing both found plenty of the ball, while Josh Kiss led the way up forward with three goals.
The result brings to a close what was in the end a disappointing year for the Swans, who promised much but were cruelled by injuries at the wrong time of the year.
Despite the loss, coach Peter Morrison should be proud of his side's effort in the face of adversity and will know they should again be among the best teams in the league if they can keep their group together next year.
For Lindenow, the win sees it move into the grand final where it will be a major underdog against Wy Yung, who has comprehensively beaten the Cats on all three occasions throughout the home-and-away season.
Regardless of previous results, Lindenow showed on the weekend that if its star players can be well-supported around the ground, the Cats can compete with anyone.
STRATFORD will face Boisdale-Briagolong in the reserves grand final after accounting for Lucknow by 22 points.
Matthew Tatterson led the way for the Swans, booting six goals on their way to a 8.10 (58) to 5.6 (36) victory.
After a goal-less first term, the Swans found themselves trailing by three points at the first break. Lucknow extended that margin by a point in the second quarter before the Swans hit the front for the first time to lead by two points at the final change.
With a grand final berth on the line, the Swans produced their best football when it counted, holding the Magpies score-less while booting three goals of their own in the final quarter to secure the victory.
In the three matches between the Swans and Bombers throughout the season, it was the Bombers who held the upper hand, registering two wins. With Stratford's the ability to bring in some players from their senior side, this weekend's decider is sure to be a closely fought match at Bairnsdale.
A FINAL quarter comeback has seen Lucknow run over the top of Orbost-Snowy Rovers, winning the under 18s preliminary final by four points.
Despite trailing at every change, the Magpies found themselves in front at the final siren, securing a 13.7 (85) to 12.9 (81) victory.
Dylan Mitchell kicked seven goals for the Magpies, while at the other end of the ground, Tyson Siddle kicked a bag of five, with his second goal of the day also his 100th for the season.
In the grand final, Lucknow will face Wy Yung, a side which has remained unbeaten throughout the season so far.
PAYNESVILLE moved into the under 16s grand final with a 10-point win over Orbost.
The Gulls led at every change on their way to 7.6 (48) to 5.8 (38) victory, with five goals to Alex McLaren helping his side to the win.
Paynesville will face Lakes Entrance, a side who beat them in the first week of finals to secure direct passage through to the decider.
EGFNL grand finals
Saturday at Bairnsdale City Oval:
Seniors: Wy Yung v Lindenow, 2.15pm.
Reserves: Boisdale-Briagolong v Stratford, noon.
Under 18s: Wy Yung v Lucknow, 10am.
Under 16s: Lakes Entrance v Paynesville, 8am.
