Werribee Districts is the first team through to the Western Football League division 1 grand final, but only just.
Having had two draws during the season, the Tigers needed extra time on Saturday to get past Caroline Springs in a semi final.
Scores were locked at 8.7 (55) when the final siren went.
It meant five minutes of extra time each way. The Tigers scored twice in that time while keeping the Lakers scoreless to win, 9.8 (62)-8.7 (55).
Tigers coach Chris Gilham was a relieved man.
“We’ve had two draws and extra time in the last 10 weeks, the competition is so even,” he said. “Everyone on their day can beat anyone.
“Credit to the boys in extra time. They were unbelievable and they now have the chance to play for another premiership.”
Gilham said he wasn’t sure if any of the playing group had been in a situation like that before, with extra time in finals rare.
They got there after the Lakers came home late with the final five goals of regular time.
“We started really well with the scoring end,” Gilham said. “We then defended well enough until half time.
“We kicked the first couple of goals in the third quarter and got the margin out to 30 points. I think we were one goal away from breaking them.
“Credit to them, they kicked three goals against the breeze. We defended well… We had a shot which we thought was a goal to get the win, but it was called a point and we went into extra time.”
With the players unable to speak to the coaches before extra time, it was up to them to take the responsibility which they did.
It was Josh Mould that kicked the goal to put them in front.
“He’s been out for 15 weeks with injury,” Gilham said. “He had a couple of games in the reserves on limited game time.
“He kicked three goals out of eight, he was a very handy inclusion.”
Lachlan Rainbow also kicked three goals as he was busy early in the game.
Josh Kellett, Rainbow and Jack Fletcher were named their best.
The Tigers now have a week off before the grand final.
Gilham said they’d got used to a stop-start season this year.
“We’ll get to training the next two weeks,” he said. “We want to start sharp.”
It was a good day for the Tigers with their reserves and under-18s also winning through to grand finals.
“That’s three years in a row,” Gilham said. “I’m not sure how often that has occurred.”
Meanwhile in division 2, Sunshine will face Albion in the grand final.
Tara Murray
