Bulls storm into first grand final in more than a decade

Mt Barker have progressed to their first Great Southern Football League grand final in more than a decade after storming home in an epic last quarter to defeat North Albany by four points at Collingwood Park this afternoon.

The Bulls last played in a GSFL decider in 2005 but they progress straight through to this year’s grand final which will be played at their home ground Sounness Park after a four goal to one final term.

The Kangas had controlled the contest for the first three quarters, leading at every change including being up 16 points at three quarter time before the Bulls swung the momentum.

The visitors quickly erased the 16-point deficit with the first three goals of the last quarter coming from Steven Scott, Blake Taylor and John Lee.

Kangas captain Graham Ross gave his side the lead back but it wasn’t for long as Bulls veteran Nathan Skinner kicked the sealer late in the piece on his non preferred foot.

The Bulls prevailed 14.6 (90) to 12.14 (86) in the second semifinal and now enjoy a week’s rest while the Kangas face Royals in the preliminary final in seven days.

Cam Quenby was simply outstanding for the winners while Sam Lehmann and John Lee were brilliant in the last term and Brenton Edwards finished with three goals.

The Kangas were best served by Alec Haskins, Matt Smith and Jack McPhee.

In the minor grades, the Lions came from 15 points down at three quarter time in the colts to snatch a narrow five point win over Albany.

In what was a terrific contest all day the Lions got on top in the middle and kicked the only three goals of the last stanza to win, 9.9 (63) to 9.4 (58), led by Ben Watson (two goals).

The Kangas reserves side survived a scare from the Lions to book their place in the grand final with a 22-point win.

The Lions kicked six goals in a dominant third quarter but the Kangas responded with four majors in the last to remain unbeaten, 14.9 (93) to 10.11 (71).

The Lions triumphed in the sixteens after a comfortable 33-point win over the Kangas earlier in the day.

The Lions kicked four goals to none in the second quarter to open the game up, eventually finishing with a 7.16 (58) to 4.1 (25) result.