WANDELLA will play in its first Golden Rivers Football League grand final since 2012 following a 20-point second semi-final win against Ultima on Saturday.
Pre-season recruits James Kavanagh, Kokwam Niki and Jaden McGrath set up the win at Murrabit, booking the Bombers a grand final berth at its home ground on September 9.
However, the minor premiers did not have an easy time claiming the win, with the side’s first goal of the game coming in the second quarter.
Paul Grayling’s side also had to ensure a tense finish as the ‘Roos kicked three of the final five goals of the game to come storming home.
Earlier in the game, Ultima’s finals experience helped the 2016 grand finalists open up a 17-point quarter time lead.
However, the Bombers rallied on the second quarter, kicking five goals to one to hold a 10-point lead at the main break.
Wandella built on its second quarter momentum in the third quarter, kicking four goals to one to increase its advantage to 26 points heading into the final break.
Kavanagh and McGrath – who played his first match for the Bombers since mid-July – were prolific, with the pair kicking three goals each, whilst Niki chipped in with two majors of his own.
Brodey Farley’s ruck work earned him best on ground status for the Bombers, with Niki and Matthew Close also playing well for the victors.
Arnold Kirby kicked three of Ultima’s eight goals, with former defender, Luke Kelson, Luke O’Toole and James Summerhayes standing out for the ‘Roos.
Maroons end Blues’ defence
NULLAWIL will play in a second consecutive Golden Rivers Football League preliminary final after defeating defending premiers, Murrabit by 94 points.
Led by six goals from Andrew Oberdorfer, the Maroons’ used its home ground advantage in moving one win away from a second grand final appearance in four seasons.
The Maroons – who defeated the Blues the last time the teams met at the Nullawil recreation reserve – kept Murrabit scoreless in the opening term to open up a 45-point advantage.
Although Murrabit kicked five goals in the second quarter, the margin remained around the seven-goal mark thanks to four goals from the Maroons.
Eager to work their way back into the game, the Blues failed to score in the third quarter as Nullawil kicked six unanswered goals to all but secure a meeting with Ultima at Hay this weekend.
Grant Ford (three goals), Oberdorder and Daniel Watts were best on ground for the Maroons, with Bryden Morison, Tom Holdstock and Joel Cross standing for Murrabit.
