Macedon will be hoping to end a 40 plus year premiership drought after becoming the first team through to the Riddell District Football League grand final.
The Cats, who haven’t played in a grand final since the mid 1970s’ when they won their last flag, won through to this year’s grand final with a solid win against Diggers Rest on Saturday.
Cats coach Jeff Andrews said the whole club was excited to finally make it back into a grand final.
“It’s about 40 years since we’ve won it and I think 40 years since we’ve been in a grand final.
“The closest we’ve been is a prelim and I was coaching that 20 years ago and we lost by five points. It’s magnificent and the boys and supporters are looking forward to it.”
After a slow start on Saturday, neither team was able to get away with the game.
Three late goals to the Cats in the second quarter would prove to be the difference.
The Cats dominated with the wind in the third quarter, but couldn’t convert on the scoreboard.
There were some nervous moments for both sides in the last quarter. The Burras had the chance to get the margin within a goal late in the quarter, but Matthew Krul missed from right in front after playing on from a mark.
The Cats settled to hang on and win, 9.14 (68)-8.8 (56).
Andrews said he was confident they could hold on and win, but knew they needed to keep the scoreboard pressure on.
“It’s been a theme all year that our poor kicking has kept teams in it,” he said.
“When the opposition has had the wind this year, we’ve been able to defend really well with our defence our strong suit all year.
“We play a way which has helped us and we had to go back to it. It was a magnificent tackle by Mills [on Krul]. A game-saving tackle.”
For the Cats, skipper James Wright kicked two goals and led from the front.
A grand final appearance is reward for Wright who has been with the club through the tough times.
“He missed all of last year … I think maybe with him we could have taken a step further.
“Put him on the ball or up forward and you always know what you’re going to get.”
The Cats now get a week off before playing the Burras or Rupertswood in the grand final.
Andrews said they would take confidence into the game, no matter who the play, having beaten both sides during the finals.
He said they would likely have a full squad to pick from.
“Dan Markworth was a bit tight, but in two weeks he’ll be fine. Matty Dick and Teghan Henderson will be back.
