ULTIMA will play in a fifth consecutive Golden Rivers Football League grand final following a 39-point preliminary final win against Nullawil on Saturday.
The win sets up a grand final showdown with Wandella, who defeated the ‘Roos one weekend in the second semi-final late last month.
The Maroons went into the match having defeated Ultima in its last meeting, and looked to have Ultima’s measure in the opening term.
The 2016 preliminary finalists kept last year’s grand finalists goalless in the first quarter to open up a 26-point lead at the first break.
However, the ‘Roos responded in the second term, kicking five goals to two to reduce the deficit to 15 points.
With the season on the line for both sides, it was the ‘Roos who responded the best after the main break.
In what was a repeat of the second quarter, Ultima claimed the lead for the first time and went into the final break up by 15 points.
Experienced finals players – including defenders Luke Wilson and Brenton Pay, midfielder Tom Bull and utility, Luke Kelson – led the way for the ‘Roos, who kicked five of the final six goals of the game.
Alex Kirby (four goals) and Callen Farrell (three goals) led the way in front of goals for the ‘Roos, with Pay, Bull and Kelson best on ground for the victors.
Kal Heslop (three goals) and Scott Mathiske (two goals) were the only multiple goalkickers for the Maroons – who were well served by Brent Sheahan, Reece Poyner and Daniel Watts.
