Late charge sends Bannockburn through to GDFL decider

Bannockburn have upset the minor premiers East Geelong in yesterday's Preliminary Final to set up an all-Golden Plains Grand Final. Photo: MICHAEL CHAMBERS

A SIX-GOAL fourth quarter by Bannockburn has derailed East Geelong’s season and secured a Grand Final clash with Inverleigh in dramatic fashion, knocking off the Eagles 10.4.64 to 7.11.53.

The Tigers and the Eagles were evenly balanced through a quarter of action with each snaring three goals each by the first intermission.

A lone major by Bannockburn summed up the second before East Geelong answered back with a lone goal in the third, setting the scores at 4.5.29 to 4.1.25 in the Eagles’ favour with a quarter to play.

Kieran Fulton shone when it mattered most, bagging three fourth-quarter goals on the way to a six-goal term for Bannockburn, edging out the minor premiers by 11 points.

Fulton notched up five goals on the day against East Geelong, while Brett Harding added two of his own.

Tristan Battaglia, Connor Jervies and Hayden Spiller all added to Bannockburn’s goal tally.

Zac Smith kicked three for the Eagles, Ryan Lempa had two, Ben Crombie and Ruben Vesikuru each had one.

East Geelong leaves the finals race in straight sets following last week’s defeat at the hands of Inverleigh.

Meanwhile, Bannockburn will meet Inverleigh on Saturday, September 10 in the GDFL decider, looking to repeat as premiers following its 2019 campaign in an all-Golden Plains battle.