Swan Reach will face Omeo Benambra in next Saturday’s Omeo District senior football grand final at Swifts Creek.
The Swans had to show grit, determination and true finals mettle to overcome a dogged Buchan by 15 points in last Saturday’s prelim final at Swan Reach in what might shape as the ideal preparation for the decider against the reigning premier.
The Swans had to come from behind, trailing the Cavemen until midway through the third quarter when their leg speed began to take over.
Some undisciplined play kept Buchan in the contest, the Cavemen leading by one point at the final change, however it was clear they were tiring.
Swan Reach hit the front early in the final term through onballer Broden Rose, who nailed a 20m set shot after earning a high free kick.
That was followed midway through the quarter when speedster Boris Bryant found Peter Ritchie for another set shot goal.
With the lead at 10 points approaching time on, Buchan kept fighting and a downfield free kick gifted Josh McCarthy a much-needed goal.
With the deficit back to less than one straight kick, the Swans were desperate to create some breathing space and at the 23-minute mark some attacking play opened the door for Liam Saunders to push the lead back out to 11.
With control now in Swan Reach’s hands, it had every right to slow play down, however it continued to play an aggressive brand and despite some nervy moments where Buchan could’ve created turnovers, the Swans held on, Daniel Hayes sealing the deal after the final siren when a 50m penalty following a mark took him to the goal line.
On a wildly windy afternoon the skill level left a little to be desired and neither side capitalised on the advantage at the town end.
Buchan spearhead Jai Nichols had two goals within the opening three minutes of the game, however the Cavemen only managed one other major for the term.
Swanny was within striking distance at quarter time but much like its opponent, it was wayward with the breeze with an inaccurate 1.5 second term.
The Swans also lost Daniel Hayes for a 15-minute period either side of half time after receiving a yellow card as tempers flared, diminishing the side’s firepower.
Despite his absence, there were already signs his side’s leg speed could be the difference, and so it proved during the third term.
Buchan extended its lead when a failed clearing defensive soccer kick from Keith Ritchie was scooped up by James Woodgate who snapped truly under pressure for a 16-point lead.
However it was essentially all Swanny for the remainder of the quarter.
Zack Ballard kicked back-to-back goals, the first a great banana on the run and the second from a wild end-to-end defensive chain where the Swans looked likely to turn the ball over three times inside their defensive 50m before breaking free.
A Liam Saunders set shot soon after put his side in front for the first time.
However, just as momentum had completely swung, Ritchie handed Woodgate a shot on goal for the Cavemen on the stroke of three quarter time, handing the lead back to Buchan.
Despite this, the Swans were superior when it mattered most and were able to earn a grand final berth to go along with their minor premiership.
League best and fairest Alex Saunders was a class above, particularly late, with his superior skill level shining through. He was the standout on a tough day for skill execution. Liam Saunders and Ballard kicked two goals each.
McCarthy was Buchan’s best. He played in all parts of the ground and caused headaches for the Swans brains’ trust.
Nicholls, Woodgate and Tyson Siddle each kicked two goals for the Cavemen.
The Swans were far from perfect but showed their high risk speed game could easily cause concerns for the
Alpine Ranges this week. Some
undisciplined play was a concern and the Swans will be wary that indiscretions will be even more costly on the biggest stage
this weekend.
