MERRIVALE has stormed into the 2014 Warrnambool and District league senior football grand final.
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The Karl Dwyer-coached Tigers were largely untroubled in defeating minor premier Panmure 16.10 (106) to 9.11 (65) in the second semi-final at Noorat Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
But they have injury concerns leading into the decider in a fortnight. Joe Woonton in particular is in a race against time to be fit for the clash.
Woonton rolled an ankle in the third term and only played a bit-part role thereafter and cast a frustrated figure in the change rooms post-match.
Jet Dowie suffered concussion in a collision with Andrew McPherson in the second term and played no part after half-time, although should be right in a fortnight.
The Tigers set up the win with a wind-assisted 6.6 to 2.2 first term and were able to almost break even with the Bulldogs in the second to lead by 18 at half-time.
They booted the only two goals of a dour third term before closing out the match with 5.2 to 3.3 as the margin blew out late.
Twelve players kicked goals - a remarkably even spread considering Brad Kelly is the league leader - while the onball brigade led the way.
James Kelly and Josh Sobey were best afield, Manny Sandow was solid in the ruck while Jack Grace kept Bulldogs spearhead Tom White to one goal
Tom Wright earned the Bulldogs' best-player honours for his role on Brad Kelly while Michael Payne limited the influence of Alister Porter and kicked two goals.
Daniel Meade, Andrew McPherson, Ben Meade and Brady Purcell were also among their best while Shamus O'Beirne provided dash on a wing.
On Sunday, Dennington faces Old Collegians at Merrivale in the first semi-final. The winner will play Panmure in the preliminary final next week.
In other football results, Merrivale upstaged Dennington 14.9 (93) to 5.8 (38) in the reserves match, kicking seven goals to one in the last term.
South Rovers defeated Merrivale 8.6 (54) to 5.7 (37) in the under 17 1/2s and Allansford defeated Kolora-Noorat 8.5 (53) to 3.4 (22) in the under 14 1/2s.