The Vikings had been unable to come away with the chocolates from their three fixtures against the Rangers this season, and went in as underdogs in the final game of the first week of finals.

Despite failing to control the tempo and possession it was the Vikings who would strike first, with dangerman Kuanyjal Tuany slotting the first goal for the afternoon.  

While the Rangers had their share of chances, an inability to convert meant it was the underdogs who took the advantage into the change of ends. 

The Vikings defence would give way 12 minutes into the second half, with captain Daniel Cook putting the Rangers on the board.  Forest struck again 10 minutes later, this time through Callum Best. 

However the Rangers’ lead was short-lived, with Jonathan Davey responding for the Vikings just moments later to put the match back on level-pegging. 

With just five minutes of regular time remaining Tuany again proved himself the Vikings’ hero, scoring the deciding goal to send Sebastopol into the decider. 

Sebastopol coach Rod Oppenhuis said his side’s ability to capitalise on opportunities in front of goal was the difference in the tight affair. 

“The first half was pretty even and we probably conceded possession but we made the most of our chances,” Oppenhuis said.  “Things just went our way at important times in the game.”

The result upsets what has been a dominant season from Forest, who finished nine points clear at the top of the BDSA ladder after losing just two matches for the year. 

In contrast the Vikings were slow out of the blocks, but ran into a strong patch of form late in the year by winning their final four fixtures. 

While the Vikings will now enjoy the week off before the grand final, the Rangers will have to do battle with a rampant Ballarat side to ensure their place in the flag decider. 

Ballarat was ruthless in its do-or-die semi-final against Warrnambool on Saturday, ramming home five goals including a brace from Nicholas Lavery to progress to the second week of the finals.