THE Bendigo Dragons showed plenty of skill and desire to beat Croydon Rangers in Saturday's semi-final in the Gridiron Victoria play-offs action.
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Bendigo's line-up fought back brilliantly to score a 22-18 victory against the Rangers.
The Dragons will now meet Monash Warriors in this Sunday's division one conference A grand final.
Bendigo coach Robert Hunter praised the Dragons' fighting spirit.
"There is always a feeling of satisfaction when you win a final, knowing that there is some reward for all the hard work," Hunter said.
''This was probably our most physical encounter, against an experienced team that knew how to step up with extra intensity.
''I was very proud of the guys to answer everything they threw at us.
"The pressure was on and the team responded.''
Hunter said excellent teamwork played a big part in the Dragons' latest victory.
''It is always a team effort that wins games, players win awards.''
Hunter said the Dragons wanted to achieve more than just reaching the conference grand final.
''I expect the guys to go out and win the game,'' he said of Bendigo's battle with the Warriors.
Bendigo and Monash clash this Sunday from 1pm at L.E. Cotchin Reserve in Massey Avenue, Reservoir.
The B conference championship final between Geelong Buccaneers and Western Crusaders is on this Saturday from 1pm at The Cove in Hendy Street, Corio.
Gridiron Victoria's Vic Bowl will be played at the Tom Flood Sports Centre in Bendigo on Saturday, August 30.
The action kicks off at 2.30pm when Gippsland Gladiators face Ballarat Falcons in the division two championship.
The Vic Bowl will be decided from 6pm when conference A and B champions take to the field in Barnard Street.