From being in a prime position to go straight through to the Riddell District Football League grand final, Romsey ran out of legs in the final term of its semi-final against Diggers Rest.
The Redbacks trailed Diggers Rest by nine points at the last break and were kicking with the wind in the final quarter.
But the Burras out-ran and out-scored the Redbacks in the last term to win 16.14 (110) – 13.11 (89) and go through to their third successive grand final.
For Redbacks coach Dean Helmers, it came down to not having the legs to go with Diggers Rest in that last term.
“We knew it would be tough,” Helmers said. “We were in the game for three quarters and ran out of puff. After trailing early, we kept clawing our way back and were nine points down at the last break.
“At three-quarter-time, I thought we were going to win it, but we didn’t fire a shot.”
Helmers said the side had put in a mixed year on the training track. “The shorter break as well didn’t help after a tough game last week.”
He said Ayden Tessari on the back line, Cam Wight in the ruck and the toughness of Nathan Rayment in the middle were the standouts for his side.
The loss, though, isn’t the end of the season for the Redbacks, who get a second shot at making the grand final, this time against Broadford.
“We’re under no illusions of what we have to do,” Helmers said.
“I think we take a lot of confidence into this week and if we can win we will have a grand final at home with three handy inclusions to come back into the side.”
The coach said Nathan Tessari, who was unavailable, captain Steve Burlak, who was rested due to being sore, and Ben Sullivan, who is battling a back injury, should be right for this week.
Broadford shocked Riddell on Sunday to earn a preliminary final berth.
Having finished sixth, the Kangaroos have knocked out the third-placed Rupertswood and minor premiers the Bombers in successive weeks.
Against the Bombers, the Kangaroos could have had the game virtually won by quarter-time if they had kicked straight. Instead, it was 1.9 in the first term to lead by a point.
Making the most of the wind in the third quarter, the Kangaroos got out to a 31-point lead at the last break – enough to hold off the Bombers.
