The Country Eagles had not beaten the Demons in three years before Saturday’s 9.11 (65) to 4.12 (36) result, which preserved Evandale’s second chance and set up a semi-final clash with St Pats next weekend.

The win was orchestrated by five unanswered goals in the second quarter, which left Lilydale playing catch-up and ultimately proved the difference between the two sides.

The Eagles led by five goals at the final break and, with Lilydale’s round 12 comeback fresh in their minds, refused to take their foot off the throat.  

“It was a different feeling among the group at half time compared to any other time in the year,” Evandale coach James Storay said.

“I think we managed to keep going and get ourselves up as a unit rather than leave it to a select few to get us up, so it was a real team effort.”

Warwick Johnson and James Conroy were magnificent around the ground for the Eagles and recently-crowned best and fairest winner Jordan Harris (three goals) led the forward line.

Jarrod Allen played a crucial shut-down role on Lilydale star Thane Bardenhagen and typified the “relentless pressure” that Storay asked his players to bring before the first bounce. 

“We were all pretty nervous leading in because we couldn’t string four quarters together leading into finals,” Storay said.

“So to be able to do that for the first time is pretty good for our group and we’ll be taking a full head of steam into St Pats.”

Lilydale, whose goalkickers and best players were not provided by The Examiner’s deadline, will next meet the winner of Sunday’s elimination final between East Coast and Perth.

Evandale also recorded a convincing victory in the reserves qualifying final, defeating Old Scotch by 44 points thanks to a Rick Edmunds six-goal haul.