Omeo Benambra put a stamp on its premiership credentials, dominating its likely grand final combatant in the final home and away round of Omeo District football last Saturday.
The Alpine Ranges blew Lindenow South out of the water, powering ahead in the second quarter following a tight first term before turning a 40-point half time lead to a 99-point domination.
It was a terrific tune up for Josh Piper’s men who will face the Swampies at Omeo in week two of the finals.
Piper was one of the only noticeable names missing from the Ranges’ team sheet, the key centre man absent as Ryan Harwood (nine goals), James Gibbs, Riley Steenholdt and James Cottrell all got valuable game time.
Harwood outshone young star Harry Warfe, who still dominated inside the attacking 50 with seven goals to finish his first senior home and away season with 82 goals.
Ball winner Jordan Robertson was again in sparkling form along with reliable defender Christine Wheeler and ruckman Campbell Ahsam.
Warren Martin and Mel Irish were the only multiple goalkickers for the Swampies with three and two respectively.
Nathan Pollard was once again South’s best, the major ball winner well supported by Will O’Keefe and Russell White, with defender Mitch Neal battling hard.
The Swampies will need to do some soul searching if they are to somehow overturn a 99-point loss claim a semi final victory in two weeks’ time. The winner of that clash will advance straight to the grand final.
