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DRYSDALE is into the BFL Grand Final in a fortnight after it caused a massive boilover, stunning the undefeated Queenscliff by seven points on Saturday.
Hawks coach John Fitzgerald guided his side into the decider in his first year at the helm, with a 10.13 (73) to 9.12 (66) win.
There was an immediate feeling of jubilation in the rooms as Drysdale made its first grand final since the dual premiership years of 2009-10.
"It's a great feeling winning second semis; you get that week off and you know you're there," Fitzgerald said.
"That's what we're all sort of training and playing for in the year, to make a grand final.
"When you get there it's a pretty elated feeling, especially in our situation today (being) the underdog. I don't think too many people gave us a chance to win."
Fitzgerald was right. The Coutas were favoured by every pundit, yet were shocked from the first bounce by a Hawks outfit that were determined to show it could attack just as well as they could defend.
A six-goal-to-one first term set the tone for the match, with Tom Dewey again relishing the freedom of the forward 50 and spiritual leader Brent Taylor dominating the midfield.
The Hawks' margin was dragged back in the second quarter, but they never surrendered the lead.
"We knew they (Queenscliff) were going to come back, so it's basically then just regaining our composure and still being able to score," Fitzgerald said.
"I think the fact that we could keep the ball inside our forward 50 for long periods of time was a real bonus for us.
"The more stoppages we get, the better chance we get to work the opposition over, is the theory."
After half-time, Drysdale restricted Queenscliff to a goalless third quarter while adding two goals of its own.
Drysdale's relentless pressure around the packs and ability to lock the ball in for extended periods of time helped dictate play, while the low-scoring, defensive nature of the game suited it to a tee.
The Hawks have a week's rest and will likely keep a settled 22 after no major injuries were suffered on Saturday. Midfielder Andrew White suffered concussion after a knock to the head in a marking contest, but will almost certainly be back for the Grand Final.
"The grand final history of Drysdale in recent history is pretty good, but it's a pretty different group and I don't know if those things count for a hell of a lot on the day," Fitzgerald said.
"Once you're in there, you're a chance."
