WHITE Hills is set for another crack at its great rival Colbinabbin, after fending off a gallant Elmore in Saturday's HDFNL qualifying final at Gunbower.
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The Demons, led by a standout defensive performance from Dannielle Sawyer, defeated the Bloods 53-34 to advance to next weekend's second semi-final against the Grasshoppers.
The 19-goal margin was the Bloods' best effort in three attempts this season against the reigning premiers.
Demons premiership coach Lauren Bowles paid immediate credit to the young Bloods for giving her side the hit-out it needed as the Demons' bid for back-to-back flags.
"I thought we were a little slow out of the blocks, I think there was a bit of nervousness come that first final," she said.
"Full credit to Elmore, that was the best they have definitely played against us.
"They had a massive crowd behind them and they were definitely up and about and at one point within six goals, but I was really proud of our girls that they kept that level-head and maturity. Our finals experience really held us in good stead.
"When (Elmore) got within six they were very chirpy and had a lot of talk and momentum going.
"We made a couple of changes at half-time, which really worked in our favour. It was nice to be able try a few different combos in the midcourt."
The Demons, as they have throughout this season, got wonderful service from their slick goal attack Rhian Moresi in an even team effort.
Bowles said it was satisfying to get another shot at Colbinabbin, the only team the Demons have not beaten this season.
The two teams, which have played off in the last three grand finals, drew their last game on August 3.
There was more disappointment for Elmore, with wing defence Issy Nichol-Smith going down with a season-ending knee injury in the final term.
The Bloods will play Huntly in next week's first semi-final, after the Hawk survived a thriller to defeat Mount Pleasant 58-57 in extra-time.
Huntly defeated the Blues by 14 goals the previous week in their final regular season match, but faced a stiffer challenge this time round.
Elimination final: Huntly v Mount Pleasant
HUNTLY will head into a knockout semi-final full of momentum after the Hawks held their nerve to win an epic elimination final in extra-time at Lockington on Sunday.
The Hawks were forced to come from behind at least twice at crucial stages of the contest to snatch a 58-57 win, to set up a clash against Elmore next week.
They trailed by as many as nine goals in the third quarter and by three early in extra time.
Their win came a week after the Hawks were forced into an elimination final, after failing to beat the Blues by more than 14 goals in their final regular season match.
Mount Pleasant presented a much tougher challenge this time round and would be no doubt feeling unlucky to be exiting the finals race.
Hawks coach Emily Eliades praised her players resilience and never give-up attitude, despite not always being at their best against the Blues.
"We really struggled at times, Mounts were leading most of the game," she said.
"But we just kept soldiering on and chipping away to get even, but when it mattered the girls just kept their cool.
"The girls played a possession game when it came to down to the dying minutes - we wanted to make sure we kept hold of it. In the end we were able to hold on."
Sunday's win was a measure of revenge for two consecutive finals exits at the hands of the Blues in 2017 and '18.
A stirring final quarter for the Hawks was led by shooters Chloe Fletcher and Ash Jenkyn, who shot at 100 per cent for the term, while Kym Bell was instrumental in lifting the Hawks troops throughout the match.
At the other end, Megan Baird was strong under the ring all day for the Blues, to give her side every chance of pulling off a win.
Eliades praised the performance of 19-year-old Fletcher, who got stronger as the game grew longer.
"She really stood up today and shot some fantastic goals and gave us great strength in the goal ring," said Eliades in an assessment sure to fill the teenager with confidence for next week's clash against the Bloods.
Eliades spared a thought for Mount Pleasant and opposing coach Belinda Pinner for a brave effort from the Blues.
"I've really enjoyed our rivalry and we've always been able to gfive each other a hug and a smile after our games," she said.
"It's been good, hard competition."
The Blues have had to deal with plenty of injuries during the course of the season and were admirable in clinching a third-straight finals appearance.
Elmore and Huntly have a win apiece in games played between the semi-finals rivals this season.
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