Swifts Creek has booked itself a spot in the Omeo District senior football grand final following a 35-point win over Lindenow South in the preliminary final at Omeo on Saturday.

Both teams ended the year with a 10-5 record, but it was the Swampies who earned themselves a double chance. Despite this they were bundled out in straights sets, losing to Bruthen by one goal in the second semi final and going down to the Demons with their season on the line.

It will be the first time since 2014 that Lindenow South is not in the grand final, while Swifts Creek returns after a five-year absence.

It was a war of attrition early as the Demons and Lindenow South came out firing. It was blow for blow, however Swifts Creek was making the most of its chances and by the end of the first term led by 16 points.

Neither side had the clear advantage with the intensity similar to the round 14 encounter when the Swampies got over the line by 10 points.

Despite only having one less scoring shot, the Swampies found themselves behind the eight ball.

After a successful year, South was not used to trailing at the first break, however it rose to the challenge.

The Swampies kicked three goals to two, reducing Swifts Creek’s lead to eight points at half time, but again they were unable to make the most their forward thrusts, adding four behinds.

The Demons had been challenged yet had managed to hang onto their lead, setting up a tantalizing second half with the winner booking a chance in the decider, while the loser would go home empty-handed.

While Lindenow South fixed its accuracy issues in the third stanza, slotting four goals straight, it was Swifts Creek that took control of proceedings.

The Demons slammed on 5.5 as they began to outwork the Swampies at the contest, which allowed their outside runners to get on top and move the ball.
At three quarter time Swifts Creek held a 19-point lead, though with still plenty of time left, Lindenow South could still make a comeback.

The Demons proved too good in the last term and while the Swampies pushed hard, they were unable to cut into Swifts Creek’s lead, scoring four behinds for the quarter.

The Demons on the other hand didn’t let Lindenow South’s pressure faze them, booting 3.2 to ice a memorable win and a grand final berth.

Coach Brodie Cameron was thrilled with his side’s ability to hit the scoreboard and deal with the Swampies’ pressure with the Bulldogs now waiting in the grand final.

Jesse Hack was dangerous all game for Swifts Creek and finished with a match-high five goals, while key forward Damian Tubb slotted three. Young Robert Maisey played a handy cameo and finished with two majors with Brenton Kuch continuing his purple patch with a fantastic display.

Alastair Commins was also impressive, while Dylan Hack was brilliant across half back.

For Lindenow South, key forward Max Solomon kicked four goals as did Ashley Hood, while Ben Lawrence, who kicked one, was brilliant with ball in hand.

Chris Hood was also impressive and Bradley Pedder and Alfred Solomon fought hard for four quarters.

In the juniors Swan Reach cruised past the Swampies to book a spot against Omeo Benambra in the last dance.

Lindenow South didn’t score in the opening term with the Swans 23 points up at the first break. The Swampies responded and after kicking 3.2 to two goals, had cut the margin to 15 points.

However, after half time it was one-way traffic as Swan Reach kicked eight unanswered goals to win by 70 points.

Oliver Brown and Alistar West stood out for Swan Reach and Robbie Farnham and Seth Smith played well for Lindenow South.

BULLDOGS ADVANCE TO DECIDER
Bruthen secured its place in the Omeo District “A” grade netball grand final with a hard-fought six-goal win over Buchan. The Bulldogs led by five goals at the end of the first term after some quick and accurate passes in the middle of the court.

Bruthen continued to dominate in the second quarter, however the Wilmas didn’t give up and despite being down eight goals at the main break were still in the game.

Buchan’s pressure forced Bruthen to turn the ball over often with the former then making the most of its opportunities in attack. With one quarter both teams were locked on 26.

In the final stanza neither side gave an inch, but Bruthen managed to come out on top. Georgia Buckley, Alanna Jones and Carolyn Brown did their best, but were unable to lead the Wilmas to victory.

Rachael Johnson, Stacey Murphy and Lucy Leeming played an integral part in Bruthen’s win.

The Bulldogs also booked a spot in the “B” grade and juniors grand final with wins over Buchan and Swifts Creek respectively

PICTURED: Lindenow South’s Darcy Neal and Swifts Creek’s Shane Jackson fight for the ball during the Demons’ 35-point win at Omeo in the Omeo District football preliminary final on Saturday. Swifts Creek will now face Bruthen in the grand final this Saturday.