Murchison-Toolamba progressed to its first Kyabram District League grand final since 2013 thanks to its 35-point triumph over Shepparton East on Sunday.
Led by a classy four-goal performance from full-forward James Lloyd, the Grasshoppers ran over the top of the inaccurate Eagles and posted a 12.10 (82) to 5.17 (47) win.
Played in heavy conditions at Girgarre Recreation Reserve, the Grasshoppers excelled in defence and starred in attack to deny Shepparton East a fairy-tale run to the big dance from fifth spot.
Instead, Murchison-Toolamba will take to Mooroopna Recreation Reserve this Saturday where it will take on Lancaster.
Speaking after the win, among an ecstatic and large crowd of supporters and players, Grasshoppers coach Nick Iorianni said it was a special feeling for the club.
“Yeah, it’s amazing. A focus of ours is building a good vibe and if you can do that this is the sort of thing you can create,” he said.
“A lot of hard work has gone into it and we’re not quite there yet, but we are seeing the fruits of that hard work.”
Onlookers were greeted to a physical contest in the first term and huge hits resulted in East’s Hysen Ismet and Justin Davies not being able to finish out the contest.
The Eagles dominated the inside 50 count, but the Grasshoppers’ defensive six was instrumental all day — with Tom Kerrins, Jye Borg, Adam MacGibbon and co standing tall.
Brodie Sanders stood out with his ball movement, while Shane Kay, who tweaked his hamstring in the opening minutes of the match, was clinical down back.
Ashton Cashion was lively up forward with two goals, while Lloyd’s younger brothers, Andrew and Aidan, enjoyed moments of brilliance.
Ruck Tom McCluskey capped a sublime season, while on-baller Matt Rendina was classy across half-back and through the midfield for the Eagles.
The game was defined by Murchison-Toolamba’s impressive ball movement during the second and third term, which had the outfit build a match-winning lead.
Iorianni said his side, relying on its defence mentality, had to ride the wave of momentum during the game.
“A big focus of ours was once again momentum,’’ he said.
“Knowing it was going to be a physical game, momentum was going to shift all game.
“We were lucky we were able to capitalise in the second term and to come out firing at the start of third was really important.
“And that defence-first mentality that we’re all about really stood up in key parts (of that game).”