Sunbury progressed to its first BFNL Grand Final since 2016 after a thrilling extra time win over reigning premiers Melton at Marty Busch Reserve on Saturday.
Ironically, it was the second successive preliminary final draw in regular time after East Point and Darley could not be separated at the very same venue in 2024.
The Lions led at every change before scores were locked together, as two 5-minute halves eventually found a winner, sending the Lions faithful into a frenzy and the Bloods camp into the realisation their title defence was over.
Credit to the entire band of Lions followers both on and off field who won with dignity and full respect for the Bloods who made them earn their progression, confirming the old adage of how hard it is to make a grand final let alone win one in such an even competition.
The Bloods were brave, confronting their season mortality for the most part of the afternoon and had the courage to mount a challenge late and almost pinch it despite trailing all day.
Strangely, the 14-point margin took a back seat behind host of trumping realities. 1 - Sunbury earns their place into a grand final, 2 - Extra time decider, 3 - The pressure and high standard nature of the affair and, 4 - like it or not - the right team won, based on time spent in front.
The penultimate game of the BFNL season was tipped to be a belter and lived up to the billing in perfect conditions.
This do-or-die encounter was not going to be impacted by the elements, rather a survival of the fittest and who could execute best under the rigor and demands of finals footy.
Sunbury hit the scoreboard early with three unanswered goals in the first term to have the Bloods on the backfoot before responding with three of their own to be within a point.
Nathan Doyle took a mark just before the siren and found a way to get hold of an old fashioned 'torp' to restore momentum with a seven-point lead, and a firm reminder these Bloods were not going away.
A similarly entertaining second term unfolded as both sides traded back-to-back goals.
Sunbury drew first blood again establishing as much as a three-goal lead before Troy Scoble's men found a way to reel it into a manageable 12-point deficit at the half.
After losing the two opening terms four goals to three, Melton were able to flip the narrative to a four-goal-to-three win of their own in the third quarter to be within seven points at the final change.
The large crowd knew from a fair way out this heavyweight stoush was going down to the wire as the Bloods did enough, once again, in the final term to hit the lead momentarily before scores were levelled on 14.9 apiece.
While both sides had their opportunities to have their noses in front at the end of regular time there was thought that if it were the Bloods, they would've pinched it given the Lions spent 97% of game time ahead on the scoreboard.
Extra time mirrored the pattern of the afternoon with back-to-back goals.
Unfortunately for the title defenders it was Matty White's pride who stood up to establish a handy 19-point lead after the first period having kept the Bloods scoreless.
Melton were asked to draw on the now vulnerable, brave well of stocks. While they won the second period of extra time (1.1 - 0.2), the assignment proved a bridge too far for the once Invincibles.
Player contributions from both camps batted deep - it would be unfair to single out two or three over the collective.
The best players submitted from both camps is merely a sample size of the depth of contribution I’m sure coaches White and Scoble would attest to.
It's been an arduous campaign for Melton's title defence, a season littered with injury and unavailability but we were reminded the fabric of the club is in good hands and the players stand with pride donning the jumper.
For Sunbury, a grand final berth is an outstanding reward for a group who have seemingly found their best since the early season ending injuries to Josh Guthrie and Cody Bramble.
The Lions have won seven of their last eight games and have beaten every side in the comp on their way to the 'big dance' except for their nemesis, Darley.
White has full respect for the Devils but does not fear them having gone on the record saying he knows how to get them, a feat that has eluded him in three previous attempts.
Sunbury have led the Devils by 18 points or more in each of their three losses and will embrace the opportunity of a fourth, this time on the BFNL's biggest stage.
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STATS THAT MATTERED
Jake Egan (Sunbury) - 27 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 10 clearances, 3 goals
Fraser Ampulski (Sunbury) - 50 hit outs, 18 disposals, 11 clearances
Craig Searle (Melton) - 63 hit outs, 11 disposals, 7 clearances
COACHES’ VERDICT
Matt White (Sunbury)
"What a game. Overtime final again would be great for the league. Proud coach moment to be able to watch the boys stand up like that in the overtime was great to watch and be a part of. Congratulations to Melton on a tough year injury wise but still a bloody good year. Coached well by Troy and his team."
Troy Scoble (Melton)
"Tough to take, bitterly disappointed. We chased the game all day, kept grinding when things weren't going quite right. Undermanned all year we fought to the last seconds of our season. Effort, commitment and determination of the group was enormous. Basically one minute away from our title defence continuing. The last minute of the game is pretty tough to absorb from all at the club to be honest. It was an amazing game to be a part of though, both teams left nothing in the tank, game of fine margins, some missed opportunities and some key decisions were influential. For now, congratulations to Sunbury on their win, they played some great footy in the back half of the year. Well done also to Darley making this year's grand final."
