MITTA United’s power forwards James Gray and David Paton rocketed the Blues into the grand final with a devastating display.
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Their performance set up a 47-point win over Thurgoona at Sandy Creek on Saturday.
Only a fortnight after being brushed aside by the Bulldogs, Gray and Paton ensured there was no repeat effort by kicking a combined nine goals in the 17.12 (114) to 9.13 (67) win.
It was only the fifth time the pair have played together this season and their form will be a huge worry for Kiewa-Sandy Creek, heading into this weekend’s grand final.
Spiritual leader Alex Beggs was also effective in attack after his injury-interrupted season.
Mitta United coach Clinton Gilson said Gray, Paton and Beggs had made a huge difference to the line-up during the finals.
“They are working well together,” Gilson said.
“We have had them out at different stages for one reason or another but the last few weeks we have had them all playing.
“I think the biggest thing was that this was a good even team performance.
“We didn’t rely on four or five players like we did when we played Thurgoona a couple of weeks ago.”
While Gray and Paton were outstanding, and Beggs flashed in and out of the play, Mitta United’s on-ballers and defence made the task easier.
Rover Nathan Reynoldson continued his sensational finals series by racking up possessions at will, while Tyson Gorupic oozed class every time he went near the ball.
Eddie Turnbull, Jeff Cox and Dougal Paton were also instrumental in breaking the match open in the second quarter.
Thurgoona star Kade Brown overcame taggers Ethan O’Donnell and Kurt Brereton to be the Bulldogs’ best while Sam Cross was a constant threat with four goals. Mark Bush and Aydan Brown were also solid contributors for the Dogs.
Thurgoona lost defender Kane Westlow with a calf injury in the second quarter while Kane Godde and Ethan O’Donnell were yellow-carded during the third term.
Gilson said his team had come through the preliminary final unscathed, with Nick Bowles and Danny Hales set to push for selection after playing well in the reserves.
“We haven’t beaten Kiewa this year but the boys are playing well and we will see how we go,” Gilson said.
It will be the Blues’ third successive grand final — they won the flag under Phil Packer in 2012 but didn’t have the answers against Barnawartha last season.