A resounding Katunga win, and a shock Katamatite defeat, has delivered a last-gasp shake-up to the Picola District Football League ladder in the final game of the season proper.
The Swans were ruthless in their Blighty match-up on Saturday, securing a top-four berth with a mammoth 36.21 (237) to 1.1 (7) win over the Redeyes which sees them over the line on percentage.
Meanwhile, Katamatite was denied its double-chance ticket after a 12.7 (79) to 11.8 (74) defeat at the hands of Jerilderie, which sees it dumped from the top four.
Missing out by the skin of its teeth and finishing in fifth is Katandra, who nevertheless produced a hard-fought 11.10 (76) to 8.10 (58) triumph over Strathmerton on the Bulldogs’ home turf.
Kats coach Trent Herbert, whose season on the field is sadly over after sustaining an ACL injury last weekend against Picola United, said his side’s finish to the home-and-away season could not have gone much better.
“To finish off with winning momentum and to come here and beat a top-four side is really good and it’s what we were after,” Herbert said.
“Especially with the conditions, it doesn’t really suit our style of football, but the biggest thing from our point of view is that the boys had the belief that we could do it.
“We just rode that all day, which was good.”
The Kats knew what was required in their trip to a gloomy Strathmerton Recreation Reserve, and looked more comfortable in the wet early, producing a three-goal-to-one opening term.
The visitors then managed to keep the hosts at bay with a defiant second quarter, entering the main change with a 14-point buffer.
The Bulldogs rose after the main break and managed to hit the front with two third-quarter goals, and should have been further in front but for a troubling seven behinds.
The door was left ajar and the Kats gladly snuck through, snatching the lead back with a goal after the three-quarter time siren to tee up a thrilling final term.
“It was a good start to the game, we got tested there in that third quarter, I said to the boys that it was good to see us respond back in the fourth quarter and swing momentum back our way,” Herbert said.
A Brady Black snap merely seconds into the final quarter had Katandra back in control of proceedings, the men in navy blue then went on to kick the next two to put the game on ice.
Following a number of injuries in recent weeks, Herbert said restoring confidence into his group was paramount as the Kats geared up for finals footy.
“Our biggest thing is the belief, obviously we’ve had a few injuries and I think the boys lost that belief a little bit — that we could match it with the top sides, but after today I think it’s set in their minds that we can do it,” Herbert said.
“We know that we can beat anyone on our day.”
Katandra captain Jonty Wardle led the way on Saturday while Black was on song around the big sticks and finished with four goals to his name.
Thomas Jeffery, Luke Smith and Mitchell Black all slotted two, while Corey Hickford was named best-on for his efforts down back.
“Jonty Wardle our captain stood up which was important, Corey Hickford did really well down back, he normally plays forward but went back today,” Herbert said.
“But all 22 played their role, we had 10 to 12 that were really good, but we didn’t have any passengers today, which was good to see.”
Herbert’s side will now do battle with Picola United this Saturday in the first elimination final.
The Blues head into finals after a 13.14 (92) to 10.6 (66) defeat to Deni Rovers.
Meanwhile, Jerilderie finished its season on a high after an exhilarating upset win at Katamatite.
The Dees ran out five-point winners to shatter the Tigers’ hopes of a top-four finish, and in doing so have teed up a thrilling rematch for the two side’s this weekend, when they will do battle in the second elimination final.
Katunga’s belting of Blighty sets up a first versus fourth qualification final against Tungamah in a fortnight, while Waaia and Strathmerton will do battle in the second qualification final the following day.
Tocumwal brought its season to a close with a 19.15 (129) to 6.6 (42) win over Berrigan.