By Justin Van Heerden
The Mackay City Hawks booked a ticket to this year's Allied Pickfords Cup grand-final with a 73-72 win over the Eastern Swans.
"Our reserve grade side set the tone for us by securing a win,” Hawks coach Matthew Crowley said.
"The A-grade game was a ripper, we knew we were in the contest, we just needed composure.”
Although the Hawks secured the win in the game, they had to overcome a 15-point deficit at half-time.
"At the break it gave the boys time to absorb it, suck in some air and stay focused,” Crowley said.
"They came out firing in the second half. Credit to the Swans they are a good outfit.”
Both the Hawks A-grade and Reserve grade sides have secured grand final spots.
"It was a confidence boosting day for the club,” Crowley said.
"This comes down to mental toughness, who sticks to their plan and gets the job done.”
Crowley said the club's experienced players would be essential moving into the grand final game.
"They have been there before, we will rely on that, we have some players playing finals footy for the first time.”
Crowley said it was business on the field but after the game 'the sportsmanship between both teams was second to none'.
"I shook Matt West's hand after the game, he is great player,” Crowley said.
"To be a player-coach is a tough gig and he has done well.
"Games like this are great for the teams, for everyone involved and for the sport in this region.
"That's what it is about at the end of the day boosting the sport.
Last Modified on 14/09/2016 11:27