The success starved Sebastopol advanced into its first grand final since 2000 with a stirring 18-point win over Melton in the preliminary final at the City Oval on Saturday.

Hutchinson played in a premiership with Warrack Eagles in the Wimmera league in 2002, but says the excitement around Sebastopol is something else.

Burra supporters elevated their celebrations to a new level as the realisation sunk in that their team would be facing reigning premier East Point in Saturday's grand final at Mars Stadium.

Those jammed into the clubrooms post-match hung on every word spoken by Hutchinson, with the opening words of his message to the players summing it all up: "We're there boys."

As well has heaping praise on the players, Hutchinson also praised the club's "terrific" supporters.

He summed up the thoughts of everyone in the Sebastopol camp simply.

"Bring on next week."

Playing assistant coach and star defender Tony Lockyer, who produced a match-winning performance, echoed Hutchinson's comments.

"It's very special place at the moment," he said.

While it was ecstacy for the Burra, it was anguish again for the Bloods, which for the second year in a row under the coaching of Aaron Tymms had fallen short after going so close.

Melton looked like it might be on its way into a second grand final in as many years when it kicked the opening two goals ofd the last term to take a one-point lead on seven minutes and with all the run.

However, as it had done all day - including when 22 points down in the opening term - the Burra dug deep and found a way.

Sam Jenkins kicked two goals - the first on end of a run and gun by Geoff Lovfett - and Lovett capped off another big finals game with his fourth major after being awarded a free kick off the ball from point-blank range.

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