THE second-last hurdle is cleared but now all of Merrivale's effort turns to clearing the final one - Nirranda in the season finale.
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Carly Peake's Tigers turned the preliminary final on its head after half-time, storming home to a 37-30 victory whilst simultaneously ending Dennington's streak of Warrnambool and District league grand finals.
Merrivale, led by goalies Tanaya Harradine (24) and Millie Mahony (13), piled on 22 goals to 13 in the second half to book a spot in this year's decider.
But Peake, who played a full game through the mid-court, knows a mammoth task awaits her side.
"Going into next week we need four strong quarters or else we're going to be no chance against them," she said.
"Nirranda have been the side to beat this year and we're definitely looking forward to the challenge."
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The playing mentor was buoyant by how her side was handling pressure.
"Our group has held up pretty well to the finals pressure and we have actually played better in finals than what we have before," she said.
"Our goalies (Harradine and Mahony) have really stood up and if they can keep us going in attack and our ball usage is good we will give Nirranda a good run for their money."
Dennington will be searching for a new coach after Josie Bolden confirmed she would not be in the role in 2020.
"That's me, it was just the one season," she said.
"It has been a great journey with wonderful girls. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
"We wanted to finish the journey next week but that's it, coaching done. I've enjoyed it but that's it."
Dogs captain Sarah Jacobs was taken to hospital in an ambulance after injuring her knee in the second term. Bolden said she didn't know the extent of the injury.
The experienced mentor conceded errors late in the game proved costly.
"Our defence was awesome and made them think twice and look back and forward," she said
"But a few unforced errors and a good side will make you pay, which is what they did, and they got in front and sometimes you need that little bit of a sniff and you find that extra leg and that's what they did."
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
