CULCAIRN coach Josh Hillary believes his team still has another gear after coming from behind to defeat Holbrook by 26 points in the minor semi-final at Urana Road Oval on Sunday.
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Trailing by six points at the last change, the Lions kicked 6.5 to 1.1 to book a preliminary final berth against Osborne.
Star midfielders Dane Hallinan and Jye Shields led the late onslaught.
Hallinan was named best afield for the second weekend in a row after kicking three classy goals while Shields was moved to centre half-forward late and torched the Brooker defence.
Adam Prior brought up his 100th goal for the season at the 24-minute-mark of the opening quarter but could only manage one more after being restricted by an ankle injury and Brock Knights.
Hillary once again lauded Culcairn's fighting spirit.
"It was a tremendous showing of grit and determination," he said.
"Like last week, we needed to dig deep.
'We knew Holbrook was going to be tough as they had taken some big scalps under 'Sharpy' (Matt Sharp) and the rivalry always adds a little extra spice as well.
"I think our best is yet to come though.
"We haven't put it all together yet and hopefully that comes next weekend."
Holbrook's run and carry worried Culcairn at different stages during the match with Hillary admitting the Brookers would have been even more formidable on the big Walbundrie ground.
Josh Jones, Will Holmes and Sam Harris were strong in the clinches while Luke Carman read the ball well in defence.
Big forward Andrew Dess looked like ripping the game apart early kicking three goals before Tim Haines regained his composure and finished the match strongly.
Speedster Corey McCarthy suffered an injury and his influence was missed by Holbrook as the match progressed.
Hillary said his experienced players led the late charge.
"Dane Hallinan is in incredible touch, Jye was great and our back six was good again," he said.
"Leading into three quarter time we couldn't capitalise and we were on the ropes but the boys responded really well."
Holbrook lost few admirers for its performances this season with the Brookers winning one final against Rand-Walbundrie-Walla and only losing to Culcairn in the final 15 minutes.
The Lions made it a fine double by defeating Billabong Crows in the reserves, Holbrook defeated Jindera in the thirds and Brock-Burrum edged out Howlong in the fourths.
