Cupido booted nine goals away to Culcairn on Saturday, taking his season's total to 51, as the Saints won by 18.19 (127) to 10.6 (66).

Victory lifted them above CDHBU, who lost at home to Rand-Walbundrie-Walla.

"Cupes had 12 or 13 shots on goal, which is why we got him to the club," Saints coach Kade Stevens said.

"He was really good and provided us with a great target deep forward.

"But Kade Garland was brilliant too as a higher forward, presenting higher up the ground, so to have him and Keith Tallent also playing good footy is good for us."

Ron Boulton marked his 200th game for the club with a high-class performance and two goals, while Jack Chesser booted five for the Lions.

"Culcairn were physical right to the end," Stevens said.

"It kept us honest and we needed that for the style we want to be playing, hopefully, in a couple of weeks."

Young players like Matthew Paddle, Trent I'Anson, Jarah McMillan, Josh Koschitzke and Willson Mack have all played a major role as the Saints have built throughout the season.

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After a poor start, they won six in a row and have only lost two of their last 11 games.

"To be sitting 1-4 at the start of the year, there were doubts we'd play finals," Stevens said.

"But I always knew our group, despite being still very young, would get there.

"We've got four players in our team who played in a reserve premiership two years ago and a couple of thirds boys.

"While it's not surprise to me, I'm proud of the group that we've been able to hang tough and stick it through.

"Who knows what we're capable of?"

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