Leitchville-Gunbower’s senior football side is now just one win away from reaching the grand final of the HDFL for the first time since 2018.
The Bombers weathered a late-game surge from Heathcote to book themselves in for a high-stakes showdown against North Bendigo, who they narrowly lost to the week before in the qualifying final.
The Bulldogs have had L-G’s number all year, topping the Bombers in their meetings throughout the season.
North Bendigo beat the Bombers by 89 in round three, by 27 in round 10 and by just six points in the qualifying final.
The steady improvement by L-G against North Bendigo bodes well for the side, who will look to pencil in a date with the Demons in the HDFL big dance.
L-G coach Shannon Keam was happy with his side’s performance, albeit receiving the win prematurely as a severe storm prevented play, thus cancelling the contest midway through the third quarter.
“The game got called off early due to weather. We happened to be in front halfway through the third quarter, so they declared us the winner,” he said.
“We played pretty well in those quarters; it was a tight tussle, and the conditions made it hard for both sides.”
Keam also highlighted what L-G needed to improve on before playing North Bendigo next week so that they could eventually have a chance to win it all against White Hills in a fortnight.
“We just need to be consistent through the four quarters and continually be hunting the ball and have that intensity around the source of the contest,” he said.
“If we can do that, hopefully, we can get up the field and back our forwards to kick goals.
“We’ll have a bit more of a debrief at training and start to put some plans in place for our upcoming game.
“Everyone wants to play in the grand final at the start of the year, so we are no different, and hopefully, we’ll aim to defeat North Bendigo and get a chance at the flag.”
L-G will face North Bendigo in the preliminary final at Toolleen Recreation Reserve on Saturday, August 31. The first bounce is set for 2.15pm.