Euroa’s A-grade is one win away from ending one of the longest droughts in Goulburn Valley League.
The Magpies prevailed over Mooroopna in Sunday’s see-sawing and rollicking preliminary final by four goals to book a date with Echuca in this weekend’s grand final at Deakin Reserve.
Euroa has not reached an A-grade grand final since it claimed the 1983 premiership.
It is the second year running Mooroopna has bowed out of the finals race in a preliminary final.
The 45-41 triumph is also the first time Euroa has beaten Mooroopna this season.
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In the zone: Mooroopna's Asha Gray. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 4
Focused: Euroa's Sarah Ternes. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 4
Locked in: Mooroopna's Ella Ogier. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 4
Scanning ahead: Mooroopna's Shelby Britten. Photo by Rechelle Zammit“I’m just so excited, I’m so excited for everyone,” Euroa playing coach Ellie Warnock said.
“I was crying after the game. It’s such an achievement, to think that we haven’t been in a grand final for what? 42 years? It’s just incredible.
“The support we’ve had throughout the week has been amazing.”
The blockbuster final was a spectacle and one that had both teams wrestle for the lead back-and-forth during the first half.
Euroa led 10-9 at the first change before scoring the opening three goals of the second term to lead by four goals until Mooroopna piled on five-straight to snatch the lead.
Both outfits traded goals, but a change in personnel through the midcourt helped Euroa get the upper hand.
Bree Poole and Warnock’s sister Grace shifted into the engine room and provided fresh legs.
Euroa broke out to a seven-goal lead that was chipped back to four goals by the final siren.
Sophie Owen was a standout for Euroa and Warnock’s defensive work was pivotal in holding a talented Mooroopna attack at bay.
“Everyone played their part, absolutely everyone played their part,” Warnock said.
“The changes we made paid off. Bree and Grace rotated into the midcourt ... it gave us fresh legs. I feel like we learnt from last time and all those changes really paid off and as I said, everyone did their part.”