A stunning third-quarter burst has provided South Barwon with two chances to book a third grand final berth in four years after overcoming Newtown & Chilwell in the qualifying final at West Oval by 24 points, 11.13 (79) to 7.13 (55).
In less-than-ideal conditions, with strong winds and rain impacting the match as a spectacle, the Swans kicked seven goals in the premiership quarter to turn a six-point halftime lead into a 45-point buffer at the final change.
The Towners had the best of the final quarter, kicking four goals to one, but never seriously threatened to reel in South’s lead.
“Three-quarter time was like ‘Hey guys, that’s arguably some of the best football in a 35-minute quarter of footy in terms of just consistently doing what is required’,” coach Mark Neeld said of the term that booked the Swans a meeting with minor premier St Mary’s in the second semi-final.
South Barwon’s midfield dominated their Newtown & Chilwell counterparts for most of the afternoon, with vice-captain Todd White, Doyle Madigan and Taylor Mulraney willing themselves to contest after contest.
“They gave us a bit of a lesson in the first half last time we played, which was only a fortnight ago, and they were pretty creative in there and really solid, so we had a real look at that,” Neeld said.
“But they went to work in that space, and we were quite happy with what they did today.”
Lachie Noble was his usual lively self, finishing with 3.4, while also providing opportunities for teammates.
The unfashionable Jack Driver and the reliable Rowan Gough led another stingy South Barwon defensive unit, with Zac Green able to quell the influence of Newtown & Chilwell star Liam Nash.
Connor Fopiani was the only multiple goalkicker for the Eagles, who were best served by running defenders Mitch Diamond and Charlie Byrne, and tireless ruck Cam Wilkinson.
Further souring the loss was a suspected concussion suffered in a second-quarter marking contest by Dan Lowther, in what was the Richmond VFL key forward’s first senior appearance for the club after crossing from Lara.
Jett Modola will be assessed for a lower leg injury that forced him from the ground during the third quarter.
Newtown & Chilwell will look to avoid consecutive straight-sets finals exits when it faces the winner of the St Joseph’s-Bell Park elimination final next Sunday.
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