BROCK-BURRUM co-coach Luke Brauer believes his side has regained confidence and hit its straps at the right time in the Hume league season after a convincing 44-point victory over CDHBU in the first elimination final at Walbundrie on Saturday.
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The Saints overcame a severe bout of the goalkicking yips to overpower CDHBU 12.21 (93) to 7.7 (49).
Despite dominating general play, the Saints led by just 17 points at the main break thanks to some dreadful inaccuracy in front of goal which saw them kick 5.14 to 4.3.
Ron Boulton was the chief offender with 1.5, while older brother Chris fared only marginally better with 2.4.
Last year’s Des Kennedy medallist, Kylin Morey, was also uncharacteristically wayward in front of the big sticks to finish with 6.5.
Morey has now booted 19 goals in his last three finals appearances — including eight in last year’s decider — and looms as the Saints’ trump card as they chase back-to-to flags.
It was the sort of form Brauer had hoped to see with the Saints’ intensity and contested possessions at a season-high level.
“Apart from the finishing, I though we were able to execute our game plan pretty well,” Brauer said.
“We have been missing a lot of set shots during the season but on Saturday we seemed to miss most of our goals on the run.
“Our small forwards were as dominant as they have been all season but just lacked a little bit of composure in front of goal.
“We feel things are starting to fall in place at the right time of the season.”
The Saints welcomed back plenty of premiership stars including Morey, Robbie Norris, Liam Johnson and Eddie Menz, who missed the loss the previous week against CDHBU.
Speedsters Nic Sedgwick and Josh McCudden racked up the possession and were excellent ball winners for the defending premiers alongside big man Trenty Storey, who dominated in the ruck.
The Power were best served by midfielder Josh Lewis, Blazie Naughtin and young gun Jay O’Donoghue.
The Saints were close to full strength with the exception of Marshall Lacey (wrist) and emerged unscathed on the injury front ahead of Sunday’s first semi-final clash against Howlong.