Despite a spate of injuries and a sluggish start reigning premier Wesley Vale had a bit too much class for Motton Preston in the NWFA preliminary final, at Maidstone Park, on Saturday.
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With several key players missing through injury, or suspension, Wesley Vale had their backs to the wall after Shaun Guard and Hamish Brown goaled within minutes of the first bounce and the Kangaroos looked out of sorts against the aggression of their opponents.
Not to be outdone Tim Ivory and Liam Rockliff’s answering majors mid-term put a spring back into the step of their team mates and the change of fortunes was such that Wesley Vale led by 31 points at quarter time.
But with sheer grit and determination Motton Preston played their way back into the contest.
With Aaron John, Jordan Fellows and Adrian Bell tireless in defence, the Demons set about staking their claim for a grand final berth.
They restricted the front runners to just two minor scores in the third quarter and at the last change were within 13 points of regaining the lead.
However, the last 30 minutes were all one-way as the reinvigorated Vale kicked up a few gears.
Ruckman Joshua Rockliff continued to lead from the front and the response was a nine-goal-to-one last quarter, resulting in a 19.10 (124) to 9.10 (64) victory for the Vale.
The win has set the scene for a rematch against Forth in the season decider.
