Eaglehawk is through to its first BFNL grand final since 2011 after it defeated Strathfieldsaye by three points in a thrilling second semi-final at the QEO.
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The Hawks trailed by as much as 30 points in the second quarter, but showed great resilience to, firstly, get back into the game and, secondly, hold off the Storm in the dying minutes.
Storm star Sam Heavyside had a set shot from 15m out in front inside the final two minutes to put Strathfieldsaye in front.
However, he hit the left goal post and the Hawks clung on to win 14.13 (97) to 14.10 (94).
“I’m so proud,’’ Eaglehawk coach Josh Bowe said in the rooms after the win.
“We were up against it, but we kept fighting.”
Sean Williams was the hero for the Borough.
After a quiet first half, the enigmatic forward came to life.
With Borough star Matt Gretgrix well held, Williams stood up when it counted.
He kicked two goals in the third quarter and then added three more in the final term for a game haul of five.
Ben McPhee continued his great season for the Hawks, kicking four goals.
Strathfieldsaye forward Lachlan Sharp was a constant threat. The Ron Best Medal winner kicked six goals for the Storm.
The Storm’s cause wasn’t helped by a match-ending ankle injury to wingman Tom Dowd in the first term.
The Hawks will enjoy a week off before the grand final, while the Storm will play the winner of Sunday’s first semi-final between Golden Square and Sandhurst in next Saturday’s preliminary final.
Full report to come tomorrow
