Dimboola caused an upset in Wimmera league A Grade finals with a last-quarter comeback over Horsham Demons.

Both finals at the weekend were decided by a margin of three goals, as Ararat knocked out Stawell in the elimination final.

In the qualifying final on Saturday, the Demons, who finished second on the ladder, were favourites to win but Dimboola’s never-say-die attitude saw a thrilling match take place in warm conditions at Beulah.

The Roos led by three goals at quarter-time in the battle of goal-shooters, as Dimboola’s Nicole Polycarpou and Demon Imogen Worthy dominated under the ring.

Horsham coach Georgie Carberry started in goal-attack before the Demons swung their first change, moving Zarli Knight into goals while Carberry went into wing attack.

The Demons gained the ascendency in the second term to take a two-goal lead into the main break, 25-23, and were able to maintain that margin until three-quarter-time.

The stage was set for a thrilling last quarter and it did not disappoint, as the Demons led by three goals early before the Roos scored three goals in succession to level the scores, 39-apiece with 10 minutes remaining.

From there, the scores see-sawed between level and the Demons leading by one, until at about the four-minute-mark, when the Roos were able to scrape ahead.

Four successive goals gave them a 47-43 lead, and with one minute remaining Dimboola was four goals ahead before Worthy added an extra goal for the Demons to take the score 49-46, the Roos’ way.

Dimboola’s attacking end gelled well, capitalising on the opportunities provided by their defence, led by Bridget Dorrington.

Roos coach Ant Toet said Polycarpou, with 29 goals, was particularly impressive, as was captain Rianna Kuhne in centre.

“ Giselle Clugston, who played a full game at wing attack, also played really well. She had three or four opponents, and she’s just turned 15 and doesn’t usually play wing attack, but with Billie (Barber) out injured, she just soaked everything up and listened ... and just kept going and kept trying to create something for us up forward, which was great,” Toet said.

“It’s  crazy how proud I am of them – they’ve worked hard, they’ve come together at the right time of the year, and finals is anyone’s game.”

The Roos now have an ever greater challenge ahead of them – taking on Horsham Saints in a second semi-final at Stawell on Saturday.

“We know they’re the ladder-leaders. We know they’re a level ahead for a reason. We need to be realistic, but also its finals and anything can happen,” Toet said.

“They’re top for a reason. They can make changes in their team and don’t seem to drop in intensity.

“We’ve got some little goals and things we want to achieve. We stuck to that last time we played them, which was only a few weeks ago, so we’ll go into it again positive and knowing we’ve got a second chance, which will also help us.”

For the Demons, while Worthy finished with 30 goals, it was Knight who was outstanding at goal attack.

The Demons now turn their attention to a semi-final clash against Ararat, where the loser will be bundled out of finals. On the two occasions they played each other this season, the Demons were victorious, and will no doubt be favourites to win this Sunday at Dimboola.

But the Rats could produce the goods, and will be hopeful of continuing their finals form, which netted a 40-37 win over Stawell in the elimination final at Warracknabeal on Sunday.

Ararat started well, out to a five-goal lead by quarter time, as Rats goalers Laney McLoughlan and Michayla McRae paired well.

The Rats had a strong second quarter, leading by as much as eight at one stage, before the Warriors pared back the margin to 22-16.

Stawell again mounted a comeback and levelled the scores at 26-all in the third term, with goal shooter Ayva Mitchell providing a key target.

But the Rats were able to pull ahead on the scoreboard, leading by four goals, before the Warriors again came back – three goals in succession to Mitchell had the scoreline at 32-31.

Ararat regained composure, scoring through McLoughlan, who piled on five goals late in the game, allowing the Rats to proceed to next final.

Best players for Ararat were goal keeper Bridie Price, McRae and Jess Taylor in wing attack.

Ararat coach Faith Biddle said it was a tough match against the Warriors.

“Stawell had great defensive pressure down the court and it was definitely a challenge to combat that, but my girls stepped up, remained calm and didn’t let that overwhelm them and kept control of the game,” she said.

“Jess and Michayla were key in keeping the team controlled and Bridie was outstanding defensively, picking up tough rebounds and winning the ball back for our side.”

Biddle said she was expecting another tough match-up against Demons on Sunday, at Dimboola.

“We know they are a quality team so it’s going to take a lot of grit to get through this one,” she said.

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