BOORT under 17s flipped the North Central preliminary final result with a stunning fourth term at St Arnaud’s Lord Nelson Park on Saturday.
The Pies, who had trailed by 19 points at the main break and with just a goal to their name, gradually built momentum that reached a cresendo in the last 20 minutes of the match.
Better tackling and taking chances in front of goal were rewarded with a five-point victory over the more fancied Saints.
Cooper Gooding weas key to the reversal in fortunes as his dominated across the midfield, kicked a goal and set up several others.
The Pies gained real confidence when Brodie McPherson beat two opponents metres from goal and gave Boort the impetus for a final surge.
Owen Byrne soon after took a gutsy mark just metres away to score a major.
Finley Arnold finished the match played in gusty conditions with two goals.
Jake O’Flaherty, Gooding, Luke Boyd and Seth Muller were among Boort’s best.
It was a second starring show from Muller for the day and repeated his feats on first semi-final day. Muller was best for the Pies’ under 14 who easily accounted for Sea Lake Nandaly in the preliminary final.
Boort’s two junior sides will contest grand finals at Wedderburn on Saturday.
However, the chance of a flag for the reserves was snuffed out by Birchip Watchem in the preliminary final. The Bulls had the opening quarter edge before extending their lead at each change and eventually winning by 28 points.
Veteran Cam Ross and last year’s league under 17 best and fairest Max Beattie were named in the Pies’ best.
- CHRIS EARL