Lake Wendouree came from 15 points down in time-on in the last quarter to edge out Bacchus Marsh and claim the Ballarat Football League minor premiership at Wendouree on Saturday.
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The Cobras appeared to have the battle for top position in their keeping, but Lakers key defender Lane Buckwell turned goalkicker to become the hero.
In an unlikely role he kicked goals at the 23 and 29-minute marks – the last giving the Lakers what would be the match-winning lead.
Lake Wendouree led by 16 points at half-time only to see the Cobras take a 12-point lead into the last term.
Nick Peters was a game-breaker for Lakers, while Steve Clifton, Luke Bucknall and Buckwell, who as well as sneaking forward late shut down Bacchus Marsh spearhead Damian Cupido, were among other major contributors.
Daniel Burton dominated the ruck and aerially around the ground for Bacchus Marsh, while Alec De Papa, Lachlan Phyland, Tyson Shea and Simon LaFranchi were in the thick of things all day.
Lakers and Bacchus Marsh will meet again in the qualifying final at the Eastern Oval, with Lake Wendouree earning the rights for a “home” game.
IN a sensational day to end the home and away season, Sebastopol dramatically ended East Point’s hopes of play finals with another upset at a boggy Marty Busch Reserve.
Just as it did against Darley mid-season, the Burra stifled the Kangaroos’ running game in the heavy conditions.
With East Point not getting the win it needed to force its way into sixth position, Darley will play finals despite losing to Sunbury at Sunbury.
Darley knew a win over the Lions would keep it in sixth spot even if East Point and Melton had wins, and the reigning premier threw everything at the Lions early.
Sunbury led by just one point at half-time, but dominated from then on to run away to a 57-point victory and finish third.
Alik Magin was again a star performer for the Lions, with four goals, while Jack Landt bagged five and Jess McInneny four.
NORTH Ballarat City had to work hard to get a 16-point win over Melton at McPherson Park on Saturday.
While the outcome had no bearing on the finals - North Ballarat City will play Redan in an elimination final at the Eastern Oval - City wanted to ensure it went into the finals in winning form.
Derrick Micallef kicked another six goals to take out the BFL goalkicking award, while Melton coach Brad Murphy also snared six majors in what has the potential to be his last appearance as a player for the Bloods. He is coaching against next year, but has indicated that it will be in a non-playing rle.
REDAN warmed up for the finals with a 90-point win over Ballarat at Alfredton.
Brenton Riordan found his range with four goals - an effort matched by Nick Sullivan in a game which was all one-way after half-time.
Nathan Horbury and Chris Giampaolo were among better players for the Lions.
FINAL SCORES
LAKE WENDOUREE 11.12 (78) d BACCHUS MARSH 11.9 (75)
REDAN 21.10 (136) d BALLARAT 7.4 (46)
SUNBURY 20.13 (133) d DARLEY 11.10 (76)
NORTH BALLARAT CITY 12.6 (78) d MELTON 9.8 (62)
SEBASTOPOL 5.8 (38) d EAST POINT 2.12 (24)
HOW THEY FINISHED
LAKE WENDOUREE 60
BACCHUS MARSH 56
SUNBURY 56
REDAN 52
NORTH BALLARAT CITY 52
DARLEY 36
East Point 32
Melton 32
Ballarat 28
Sebastopol 24
Melton South 8
