The Box Hill Hawks have shrugged off Werribee to book its first grand final berth since 2003.
The Hawks will meet Geelong in the premiership decider next Sunday at Etihad Stadium after a 52-point victory over the gallant Tigers.
Scott West’s hopes of ending Werribee's preliminary final heartache were dashed despite his side throwing everything at the Hawks.
In the end it just wasn’t enough as Shane Savage led the men in brown and gold to a memorable triumph.
Savage booted five goals, including two in the final quarter, to dismantle any hopes of Tigers’ comeback and collected 28 high-class disposals along the way.
He was well supported by a group of seven other Hawks, who all managed two goals to illustrate their wealth of goalkicking options.
Among those to snare a double were Will Langford (24 disposals), Michael Osborn (20) and Luke Lowden – the latter appearing to rise to the occasion as the match wore on.
Behind Savage on the stats sheet was Mitch O’Donnell (27), Liston medallist Mitch Hallahan (26) and Taylor Duryea (22) - who won a late reprieve to take his place in the side.
The Hawks launched out of the blocks in the opening term with the first five goals of the match before the Tigers hit back with six of the next seven.
At the centre of the comeback was Jye Bolton, with the powerful small forward bagging five goals in an impressive display.
Big man Ben Brown kicked three and was handful at times, while the bullocking work of Jarred Moore was inspiring.
Moore was in his element, soaking up the intensity of finals football and winning a match-high 32 disposals.
The work of Ayden Kennedy and Will Sierakowski across half back was also instrumental in the Tigers’ fightback and both could hold their heads high despite the lop-sided second half.
With youngster Luke McDonald’s left foot cutting up the Hawks, Werrribee was able to draw level late in the second term.
But with the siren beckoning, the Hawks flicked the switch again to finish the half 19-points clear.
The Tigers tried desperately to rally in the third but were thwarted by the likes of Kyle Cheney, Duryea and Jonathon Simpkin, who know no other way than to put their bodies on the line.
A big bomb from Bryce Retzlaff and Savage’s nous around goals ensured Damian Carroll’s side entered the final break 27 points up.
Despite the Tigers keeping their intensity high, there would be no comeback as Lowden and Savage put a full stop on an ominous display with their own moments of brilliance.
The Hawks enter next Sunday’s Grand Final the underdogs after Geelong’s annihilation of Williamstown yesterday but few could argue against their premiership credentials following today’s result.
Last Modified on 15/09/2013 18:57