Saints's class prevailed in one of the classic AFL Cairns semi-finals on a gusty Saturday afternoon at Cazalys, leaving Norths to contend with a sudden death battle with Port Douglas this weekend.
Last year's premiers proved they could win without relying on star forward Matt Walsh and amazingly did not kick a goal until midway through the second quarter.
Their 8.14(62) to 7.10(52) defeat was a typically dogged affair, with every goal telling and every possession earned.
With the game in the balance, Saints' player-coach Brenton Powell provided the steady head, negotiating the whipping breeze to slot the buffer goal.
That was the final major in an exhilerating final term that had Norths get within four points and hit the post as they threatened to grab the win.
That unfortunate poster from Peter Labi, who stood up in the last quarter with several strong grabs in the forward 50m, was the pivotal moment.
It was a far-from-lairy display after Souths and Port had kicked goals at will in the earlier semi-final.
Norths had kicked the only two goals of the game as half-time approached thanks to a clever lead from Anthony Fenton and a runaway goal to Willie Alick.
Lukas Ehlich was instrumental in the midfield, setting up play for his forwards with every touch.
He did that for youngster Isaac Rokeby but his drop punt missed as the into-the-wind curse continued.
Saints were not doing much better up the other end, kicking their fifth, sixth, and seventh behind before they found the big sticks.
That finally came through ruckman Dan Liriges, and when Ben Hallas booted a deserved goal they were suddenly in front.
Two quick ones to Saints in the second half gave them a three-goal buffer before Adam Mueller rose above the pack, marked and goaled to get Norths back in the game.
From there they traded goals but it was Saints who always had their noses in front.
Co-captain Craig Ferrier lauded their effort and appreciated the fact that they won without Matt Walsh - he has kicked a record 132 goals this season - kicking a goal.
"We can do it without him kicking a bag and that probably puts some doubt in their mind," Ferrier said.
"But we certainly aren't getting ahead of ourselves, we'ver been there and lost before.
"We are probably needing this week off, there's been a few sore bodies."
Ferrier said the conditions made it tough but more rewarding.
"You could see the ball just going across the face every time. It certainly puts the pressure on you when your're kicking with it."
Last Modified on 11/10/2013 15:45