After being jumped early, the Spiders regained their composure in the second term and responded to every challenge put forward in the second semi-final to take the direct route to the grand final.

They will be further strengthened by the return of Ben Nicholson and Marc Almond, who withdrew from the side due to hamstring tightness.

Howlong dominated at ground level after quarter-time through its even spread of running players with wingman Josh Duffy, defenders Ryan Singleton and Bill Longley and midfielders Adam Hansen, Steve Fouracre and Jay Banks in fine touch.

Fouracre held his own in his head-to-head battle with Luke Schilg, while Banks took on former Lavington teammate Darryn McKimmie.

Almond was delighted with the victory.

“We played really well and didn’t have any passengers which is crucial on a day like that,” Almond said.

“It was a good effort by the boys.

“We got through without any injuries either which is always good.

“We expected to play well and did.”

Howlong was delighted with the performance of Matt Farrugia who broke even with the league’s No.1 big-man Trent Storey in the ruck.

After trailing by 12 points at half-time, Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock slipped out of contention when they managed just two points in the third quarter as Howlong seized the initiative in the midfield.

The Saints had plenty of triers though with Schilg tireless in the centre, Dean Murphy providing plenty of rebound from defence opposed to Aaron Barnes and Jay Koehler and Brad Scott putting an injury-plagued season behind him to cause problems in attack and through the midfield.

“They played a lot better than us in the conditions,” coach Glenn Eddy said.

“We stopped doing the things that we had been doing well and Howlong got on top.”