HENTY earned a shot at back-to-back Hume league premierships with an 82-point hiding of Jindera at Walbundrie on Saturday.
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While many suspected the Swampies would advance to the grand final against Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock, it was the margin that sent shockwaves through the competition.
Josh Gaynor’s side imposed itself early on the contest through midfielders Simon Hiller and Jarrad Farwell and stormed to an impressive 20.10 (130) to 7.6 (48) victory.
Gaynor was delighted with the way his players responded to last weekend’s after-the-siren loss.
“We will go into the grand final in good form, which is important,” Gaynor said.
“Against Brock-Burrum we went away from our structures for big parts of quarters which exposed us at times.
“I thought we fixed that up pretty well on Saturday.
“We had 21 strong contributors.”
Henty went for more leg speed with Joel Klemke and Josh Singe coming into the side which is a tactic that could hold them in good stead this weekend against the quick Brock-Burrum midfield.
Josh Singe curbed the influence of Sam Myors while his brother, Derek, held his own against Bulldog trump card Toby Ryan.
Finals specialist Shannon Terlich was dangerous in attack as well as providing support for Michael Aitchison, Roy Jaques and Ryan Quade in the ruck.
Matt Liddle kicked four goals to be the most effective forward on the ground while at the other end of the ground Beau Connell acquitted himself well on Josh Walker.
Jindera looked leg weary after hard-fought finals wins against Murray Magpies and CDHBU, particularly in the second quarter when Henty slammed on seven goals to three to take a 39-point lead into half-time.
“Jindera is a very good side and has been starting games well so we were mindful of that,” Gaynor said.
“Even though we had a handy lead early, you never feel safe.
“Jindera came back from 22 points down a week ago.
“The boys kept at it which was pleasing going into a grand final.”
Jordan Smith, Danny Warren, Jacob Millar, Michael Blomeley and Mick Galvin were honest performers for Jindera.
In-form Henty defender Jim Ellis injured his ankle during the second quarter but is expected to play this weekend.
“I think he’ll be OK,” Gaynor said.
“It was just a rolled ankle.
“We’ll give him every chance to come up because he’s a very important player for us.”