Watsonia booked its place in the 2013 Division 3 Grand Final with a runaway 36-point win over Thomastown in the preliminary final.
The Saints were able to hold off many fight backs by the Bears as they stormed to a 19.19 (133) to 15.7 (97) win at Epping Recreation Reserve.
The result meant the Saints have gone from wooden spooners to Grand Finalist in the space of just 12 months.
With so much at stake, both teams came out of the blocks firing and the opening 15 minutes of the match went going goal for goal.
Thomastown was able to break the game open late in the high-scoring term, kicking five majors in the last ten minutes of the quarter.
Trailing by more than four goals, Watsonia was able to steady with the last goal of the quarter the dying seconds to Matthew Cottier, which reduced the quarter-time deficit to 20 points.
The Bears looked to extend their lead in the second term, even whilst kicking against the wind. They were able to slot the first two of the term to take a lead in excess of five goals before Watsonia was able to hit its stride.
The Saints responded with the next five majors, including three to returning forward Jeremy Bennett who finished the day with five majors of his own.
Watsonia was able to get its nose in front at the main break, holding a seven-point lead going into the second half.
Going into the third term, the Saints had all the momentum and continued on their merry way. They kicked four of the first five goals of the quarter to extend their lead to as much as 30 points.
The Bears still had something left in the tank though and refused to give in. They finished the quarter with four straight majors to trail by just five points at the final break.
With the game in the balance, it was Watsonia who came out firing in the last term.
Despite some wayward kicking in front of goal, the Saints ran. They kicked 5.9 for the quarter, while their defence was able to hold strong each time the Bears launched a forward attack.
The final siren brought scenes of jubilation as Watsonia advanced to its first Grand Final since 1987.
Playing-coach Lochie Dornauf played an outstanding game, racking up a heap of the ball and was able to kick a goal. Alongside him, Stephen Rose and Shane Hodgson also played brilliant games.
Watsonia knows it will have its work cut out in the premiership decider next week when it comes up against the Dean Haydock-led Panton Hill.
The Redbacks hold a 3-0 record against the Saints this season, including a 44-point win in the second semi final last week.
The Bears will look to regroup for another premiership tilt in the 2014 season after their 2013 campaign was cut short.
Final score: Watsonia 19.19 (133) def Thomastown 15.7 (97)
