Jacana turned on a second half show against Northern Saints at the weekend to win through to its second Essendon District Football League division 2 grand final in three years.
After falling short in the semi-final against Coburg Districts last week, the Jaguars were determined not to waste a second shot at a grand final spot.
The Jaguars started well, but couldn’t make the most of their opportunities when kicking with the wind.
The Saints used that to their advantage, leading by nine points at half-time.
But the second half was all the Jaguars, kicking 12 goals to two, to win 18.14 (122)-9.10 (64).
Jaguars’ coach Robert Fletcher said the second half was more like the football that had made them so successful during the season.
“We played some really good football,” Fletcher said. “In the second a half we played aggressive and took the game on. We started playing like the Jacana we know.”
What was pleasing for Fletcher was how they finished the game.
They didn’t just win, they came away with a strong win, despite resting some players late.
“We were up by 25 points at three-quarter time and they had the wind in the final quarter,” Fletcher said.
“The breeze was a four goal breeze. I told the boys they needed to take the game on, they just couldn’t defend the lead.
“We came home really strong. Our fitness is showing through at this time of the year.”
Billy Morrison, Shane Barry and Tyler Karakaltsas were among the best for the Jaguars.
Cameron Cloke overcame a back injury suffered in the Jaguars semi-final loss to kick eight goals on Saturday, playing a major role in the win.
The Jaguars now face Coburg Districts in the grand final on Saturday at Windy Hill.
The Jaguars are looking for their fourth premiership and their first since 2000 when they won the Riddell District Football League top prize.
Coburg Districts hold a 3-1 record between the two teams this season, including beating the Jaguars twice in the past three weeks.
Fletcher said they were looking forward to the challenge.
“While the boys were focused on this week, they had in the back of their minds they wanted another crack at Coburg.”
Meanwhile, the season is over for the Jaguars reserves side which lost to Coburg Districts, 10.6 (76)-4.6 (30) in their preliminary final.
Coburg Districts led early and a win never looked in doubt. It now plays Roxburgh Park, which is looking for back-to-back flags, in the grand final.
