Macedon did the work early to account for Melton South and give itself the double chance in the Riddell District Football League finals.
After locking their finals spot in with a final round win, the Cats season was on the line on Sunday in an elimination final against the Panthers, who were playing finals for the first time in a number of years.
The Cats jumped out to an early 20 point lead at Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve and were able to maintain that margin heading into the main break.
The Panthers were able to stick around in the third quarter and wouldn’t allow the Cats to run away with it.
The margin was 25 points after the Panthers kicked two goals to one in the third quarter.
It was again an arm wrestle in the final quarter with neither side able to break open the game.
Macedon got the first goal of the quarter through Jason Cooke to put all the pressure back on the Panthers.
It was goal for goal from then with the Cats coming away with a 10.14 (74)-7.6 (48) win.
Cats coach Al Meldrum said their finals experience shone through early in the game.
While the Panthers hadn’t played finals for 14 years, only three Cats players hadn’t played senior finals.
“It wasn’t the most attractive game, it was a bit scrappy,” he said.
“We did the work early and got off to a hot start. The pressure was finals standard and we held that pressure for four quarters.
“I thought that was the difference in the game. It was really good from start to finish.”
Meldrum said they were able to shut down the ball use of the Panthers, which he said was among some of the best in the competition.
Cooke finished with five goals, while his brother Bradley Cooke was the other multiple goalkicker for the Cats, with two goals.
Jason kicked four goals in the first quarter with Meldrum saying they thought he was in for a big day.
The Panthers then shut him down.
Hamish Govan, Blake Watson and Leo Webb were named the Cats best.
Meldrum said the skipper in Govan led from the front and was still laying tackles with 30 seconds to go.With third-placed Wallan losing to Kyneton, it means the Cats were the highest ranked winner from the elimination finals through to the second week of finals.
It means they will play Riddell for a spot in the grand final on Saturday, with a double chance up their sleeves.
Meldrum said it’s a really good opportunity for them.
“The other game finished 10 minutes after ours,” he said.” Everyone was keeping their eyes on it.
“It’s a great opportunity and we’re going to grab it with both hands.
“We were just elated with the win, let alone getting the double chance.
“Riddell is proven and has so much experience and talent in their team.”
