LAKE Wendouree hit hard and fast repeatedly to clearly sound a warning in this premiership chase.
A 21-point win against flag favourite Sunbury in Saturday’s qualifying final takes the Lakers a giant stride closer to their first Ballarat Football League flag.
And the Lakers did it on Sunbury’s home patch.
The Associated Plasters Lakers booted five unanswered goals within seven minutes before Sunbury could even gasp for air.
Lake Wendouree coach Mathew Battistello said the win meant ‘‘everything’’ for his team.
‘‘We have the opportunity for a double chance again and a chance to qualify for a spot in the grand final,’’ Battistello said.
The Lakers’ focus and execution on a strong start stunned the Lions.
They went inside their forward-50 19 times to the Lions’ 5 in the first quarter, setting up the 16.9 (105) to 12.12 (84) win.
Sunbury coach Mark Power said he was far from expecting that kind of start from the Lakers in a final.
His team was put on the backfoot and could not get its game plan to click.
The Lakers knew the Lions would bite back — it had happened before.
Back then, Sunbury questioned the Lakers’ fitness. This time the Lakers out-ran them.
Sunbury kept the Lakers to one goal in the second quarter and clawed the margin back to 14 points by half-time.
The Lakers surged again and the Lions sunk five goals behind at the final break.
All the Lakers had to do was fight out an even final term, in which the Lions claimed three quick successive goals to tighten play.
The Lakers had choked the Lions where it hurt most —their star midfield combination.
Laker Nathan Pring booted six goals while North Ballarat Roosters premiership player Paul McMahon’s finals
experience shone.
He booted four goals and was pivotal in goal assists.
Battistello said ‘‘unsung heroes’’ in the Lakers’ midfield and pressure across the ground made it work.
‘‘(McMahon and Pring’s goals) were a good result for whoever we’ve got in our forward line and on the ball,’’
Battistello said.
‘‘Our game is not so much about goal kickers but the whole effort.’’
When Sunbury got possession up forward, the Lions looked dangerous.
Jordan Barham was moved deep forward in the second half and was a strong target, kicking four goals.
Peter Robertson, starved of opportunity, pushed into the midfield to help drive forward was Ross Sleight also added some spark.
Sunbury coach Mark Power said his midfield and half-backs were ‘‘found wanting’’.
‘‘We just couldn’t get our hands on the footy,’’ Power said.
‘‘In the second quarter we started to move again but in the third, the Lakers won again.
‘‘Now we need to get back on the training track and start again.
‘‘This was just one of those days.’’
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