A blistering opening term set the tone as Buninyong stormed into a third Central Highlands Football League senior grand final in five years on Saturday afternoon at Learmonth.
The Bombers brushed aside Hepburn with a seven-goal first quarter to lead by 41 points at the break and never let the Burras within three kicks en route to a convincing 38-point preliminary final win.
Forward Mitch Phelps had the ball on a string early and kicked three of his five majors in a stunning opening 25 minutes, while prime movers Ned Gilbert and Matt Caris and young forward Joel Ottavi were among the others to star across four quarters.
For the Burras, there wasn’t many winners, but McKay brothers Mitch, Brad and Andy combined for seven of the team’s 11 goals and tried hard.
Buninyong will take on reigning premiers Springbank in the decider after the Tigers beat rivals Gordon by 45 points at Daylesford on Saturday.
Springbank led by two points at half time, but finished the better to land a 16.14 (110) to 9.11 (65) success.
Tom Eltringham kicked four goals, while Joel Maher was named best for the winners.
Among the injury concerns for the Tigers is joint coaches Michael Searl and Nick Couch. Searl didn’t play in Sunday’s game because of a groin concern, while Couch left the field early in the contest with what appears to be hip trouble.
