Trailing by 23 points at the final change, 15-year-old Saxon kicked three majors in the final stanza, including one with only two minutes left on the clock from a chest mark in the goal square, to seal victory.

The win was a handy confidence-booster ahead of their return bout in the first semi-final at Corryong on Saturday.

Coach Gerard Midson said he was pleased with the way his side ran out the match.

“The last two weeks we have had to come from behind to win games,” Midson said.

“I don’t think either side put everything on the table on Saturday but you still like to win.

“I’m sure they would have felt the same.

“We had our reunion boys at the game who made a bit of noise for us so it was good to have a win for them as well.”

Federal trailed by 28 points at quarter-time with the Magpies being set alight by Dan McCarthy.

He finished with five goals and received plenty of support from Dan Leeworthy, Matt Storey, Max Houston and Michael Wever.

But the home team refused to concede and finished full of running with Cameron Sheather and Danny Hibberson in the thick of the action.

Daniel Hales, Mitch Paton and George Galbraith also played leading roles.

“I don’t think we changed a lot at the end, but we just kicked straight,” Midson said.

“Our radar got a bit better.

”It was good to win, but next week is the one that counts.”

Defender Cam Tyrell missed the clash for Federal while Border-Walwa were without defender Ziggy Kennedy.

Swan pair Ash Tyrell (neck) and Tim Seymour (groin) were injured and face fitness tests later this week.

Corryong star Jarrod Williams is closing in on his century after kicking 10 goals in the Demons’ 94-point victory over Cudgewa.

He has 94 for the season from 14 matches.

David Low and Michael McNamara also produced big performances while James Cleven and Aaron Monk were best for Cudgewa.

Bullioh thrashed Tumbarumba by 151 points.

Zac Burhop warmed up for the finals with a 10-goal bag while Hamish Clark enhanced his league medal chances.