Having waited 13 years to capture their first VFL flag, the Selkirk Roosters can make it two in a row against the Carlton-aligned Northern Bullants at Etihad Stadium.

North Ballarat stormed into the grand final with a crushing 61-point victory over Collingwood at Port Melbourne on Saturday, 22.14 (146) to 12.13 (85).

The Roosters took the match away from Collingwood with a scintillating nine-goal third quarter.

The Magpies hit the lead with a goal just 30 seconds into the term after a sea-sawing first half.

However, North Ballarat turned up the heat with the last seven goals in the run-up to three-quarter time and a grand final berth was in its keeping.

Head coach Gerard FitzGerald admitted that after such an arm wrestle early, he did not see the three quarter domination coming.

He said a reduction in turnovers, especially by hand, and the resulting improved efficiency in ball use had made a significant difference.

North Ballarat's forward structure also became much better as Aaron Edwards (4 goals), Josh Smith (3 goals) and Michael Wundke (4 goals) worked as well together as they have at any time this year.

FitzGerald said the big marking forwards, who also included Paul McMahon, were able to create space and the Roosters reaped the rewards.

It was a much different story early in the day.

North Ballarat had the use of the wind in the opening quarter, but wasted opportunities to kick 3.5 and only led by three points.

The Roosters and Collingwood then each picked up the pace, with the Magpies looking the more dangerous thanks to some relentless running through an open midfield.

There was not to be much more from Collingwood though, with not even the likes of Paul Medhurst, Nathan Brown, Shannon Cox or Chris Bryan being able spark it back into life.

Myles Sewell marked his VFL best and fairest award earlier in the week with another stand-out performance.