Despite being challenged strongly in the third term by Boisdale Briagolong, Orbost Snowy Rovers’ thirds rallied strongly in their East Gippsland Football Netball League elimination final, winning impressively by 38 points.
The victory sets up a showdown at the Lindenow Recreation Reserve on Saturday with arch rival Lakes Entrance, with the victor earning the right to tackle premiership favourite, Lindenow, for premiership glory, seven days later at Bairnsdale City Oval.
The Blues controlled the match all day, opening up an early advantage, before playing its best football in the premiership quarter.
Coach Andy Malcolm and his coaching panel would have been delighted by the way the Orbost side moved the ball and the significant improvement in their field kicking.
Orbost kicked three goals to one in the opening term, opening up a 13-point advantage by quarter time.
Key forwards, Angus Joiner and the miraculous Kruze Farley were already looking dangerous and finished the day with three goals each.
Brayden Fenner and Bobby Bills, who both have impressed at senior level this season, showed the benefits of playing at a higher level as they stood out.
The second term was a more even contest with both sides kicking two majors, Orbost holding a 12-point advantage at the long break.
Jacob Farley was getting plenty of the football and impressing with his exquisite delivery, he looks a ready made senior player for 2025.
The Blues went up a notch in the third term, kicking five goals to one in a decisive 20-minute domination.
League best and fairest winner Brayden Fenner was pivotal at the clearances and playing a kick behind play.
The last quarter was more of arm wrestle, with the Blues having more inside 50s and chances to score, but sadly their radar was off.
Among the best for Orbost Snowy Rovers were Toby Herbert, Tyson Bills, Rex Macalister, Fenner, Jacob Farley and Bobby Bills.
