The Northern Bullants have blasted their way into back to back VFL Grand Finals with a 12 goal second half over Williamstown prevailing 16.8.104 to 11.12.78 at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday afternoon.
It was heartbreak for premiership favourites Williamstown who were on top early but a big second half to the Bullants spearheaded by forwards Ash Arrowsmith, who booted two goals from 18 disposals, and Carlton youngster Levi Casboult, setup a re-match with last year's opponent North Ballarat at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Midfielder Jarrod McCorkell was pivotal with 28 disposals and a goal, as was Rohan Kerr, (15 disposals, 2 goals), and Joe Anderson, (1 goal from 19 disposals).
Ben Davies was fantastic for the Seagulls off half-back with 37 disposals and a goal while Brett Johnson and Cameron Lockwood both gathered 28 touches.
Andrejs Everitt opened the scoring courtesy of a free kick for a high tackle but Williamstown had to wait another 16 minutes for their second in a scrappy first quarter.
The Bullants were on top with Sam Jacobs dominating the hitouts but couldn't get on the scoreboard until late in the quarter when Chris Johnson sent home a long goal from 50 metres after earlier missed chances.
Brett Thornton, the general in defence with 28 touches, repelled numerous forward thrusts while at the other end Lukas Markovic and Peter Faulks were equally as solid for Williamstown in a scrappy first quarter.
Some clean disposal from Matt Little gifted Everitt his second goal after the quarter time siren giving Williamstown the edge at the first break.
Brad Fisher marked in the goal square and reduced the margin to two points to start the second quarter.
Youngster Ahmed Saad will be attending the upcoming Victorian AFL State Screening session for the Draft combine and when he goaled from a free kick the Bullants were in front.
After numerous turnovers in the midfield Matt Little marked strongly and converted his only goal for the day from 50 to put Williamstown back in front.
The Seagulls got on top for the next 5 minutes but couldn't make the most of the momentum with Captain Brett Johnson, Stephen Tiller and then Liam Jones missing opportunities and when Ahmed Saad's pass found Joe Anderson the lead changed again.
A series of behinds from Williamstown had scores level and the deadlock was broken when Jordan Roughead marked and goaled seconds before half-time giving the Seagulls a 5.5.35 to 4.5.29 lead.
A nervous start after half-time by Williamstown provided the Bullants with numerous opportunities and they were in front again when Jarrod McCorkell hit Ahmed Saad on the lead who kicked his second.
An electrifying 2 minutes of football saw 3 goals kicked quick in quick succession as Rohan Kerr extended the Bullants lead only to be answered by Brett Johnson with a goal on the run from 40 which was cancelled out when Brad Fisher grabbed his second from a quick centre clearance as the game opened up in a free flowing second half.
Levi Casboult produced arguably his best 5 minutes for the Bullants kicking two goals and stretching the margin to 19 points.
The first came when he kicked long to a vacant goal square from 45 metres followed by a strong mark and goal from outside 50.
When Ash Arrowsmith marked strongly on the lead and sent through the Bullants sixth goal for the quarter they held a commanding 24 point lead and Williamstown were staring at defeat.
The Bullants continued their dominance to start the last quarter with Ash Arrwosmith kicking two quick goals extending the lead to 40 points.
Williamstown's hopes were kept alive when Ben Davies drilled a goal with his 32nd disposal and Andrejs Everitt got a second goal in as many minutes with a long bomb but Rohan Kerr steadied the ship for Northern with a freak snap from the boundary.
Two goals to Pat Rose and one to Jordan Roughead reduced the margin to 14 points but goals from David Ellard and Zach Tuohy sealed the Bullants win and a chance to claim their first premiership since 1984.
Northern Bullants 1.5 4.5 10.7 16.8-104
Williamstown 3.1 5.5 6.7 11.12-78
Williamstown
Goals: A. Everitt 3, J. Roughead 2, P. Rose 2, B. Davies, B. Johnson, B. Stack, M. Little
Best: B. Johnson, B. Davies, B. Jolley, L. Markovic, C. Lockwood
Northern Bullants
Goals: A. Arrowsmith 3, B. Fisher 2, L. Casboult 2, R. Kerr 2, A. Saad 2, J. Anderson, Z. Tuohy, C. Johnson, D. Ellard, J. McCorkell
Best: J. McCorkell, S. Jacobs, A. Arrowsmith, J Anderson, R. Gale, B. Thornton
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