A Steve Clifton-inspired fightback from Lake Wendouree saw the Lakers snatch a two-point victory from East Point in the final term at Eastern Oval.
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Trailing for most of the game, and by as much as 20 points at half time, the Lakers booted six goals to three in a final quarter that belied the tight, low-scoring match to that point as the high intensity game took its toll on the players.
Captain Steve Clifton and forward Brett Cook lit up the final term to the Laker's fans delight, riding a wave of momentum that began with a Matthew Tuminello snap and ending with a long dribbling Nathan Pring point to seal the 11.16 (82) to 11.14 (80) win with 30 seconds to go.
For East Point, midfielders Daniel Tung and Jono Lanyon were outstanding, while live wire forward Mikitja Rotumah-Onus was electric in the first half and young Jordan Taylor held his own against a season Wendouree midfield.
The match began in the high intensity expected from an elimination final, with both sides throwing themselves at the footy with determination and courage.
East Point had the better of the first term though and led by 14 points at quarter time.
They extended the lead to 20 points at the main break before Lake Wendouree began to fight back.
The Lakers dominated the third term, hitting the front through a Steve Clifton goal midway through the quarter, but three late goals to the Kangaroos saw the margin back to 18.
Clifton, along with Cook and Luke Bucknall, lit up the final term and dragged the Lakers over the line.
Laker's coach Gavin Webb said his side "were second to the ball, fumbling [and] missing targets” in the first half but was happy with the "way we responded in the last quarter… with only one on the bench".
We were really happy with the way we responded in the last quarter.
- Lakers coach Gavin Webb.
Linc Barnes, Michael Neal and Andrew Ciavarella were the three Lakers’ players out of action and Webb was uncertain of any of them being right for next week, saying "they might struggle".
East Point's Glenn Wilkins said that his side were left to rue missed opportunities while in front.
"We probably should have taken more chances early in the game, we knew they were always going to come back at us,” he said.
Clifton slotted three goals for the match, supported by Cook, Nathan Pring and Lucas Anderson with two apiece while for the Kangaroos Bryson McDougall kicked three.
Lake Wendouree will now face North Ballarat City next week, and Webb hopes to regain some stars.
Tyler Blake is one certainty to return.
