Geelong Advertiser |
GROVEDALE is a step away from completing one of country football's most remarkable turnarounds, having qualified for the GFL Grand Final after finishing with the wooden spoon last year.
The Tigers' fairytale season continued on Saturday with a remarkable preliminary final win over competition powerhouse Bell Park, coming from 24 points behind at the last change to kick eight unanswered goals at Simonds Stadium.
Grovedale eventually got home 14.15 (99) to 10.12 (72) and is into its first GFL Grand Final since the league was formed in 1979.
The result sets up a dramatic decider, as reigning premiers South Barwon will take the field under co-coach Casey Tutungi, who was left a quadriplegic after an onfield incident this year.
Tutungi, who was injured in June, made an emotional return to South Barwon in the second semi-final, addressing the players ahead of their 35-point win over Grovedale.
Grovedale is the only team to have beaten the Swans this year a 20-point win in Round 13 and Tigers coach Grant Tanner is confident his team can bounce back after the second semi loss.
