For the second year in a row the Roos have knocked the Swans out of the race to the grand final with a come-from-behind final quarter win. This game was a much closer battle however. Fans were treated to a highly entertaining struggle between two teams fighting for their season’s survival.

The Roos needed a strong start to the game and couldn’t afford to let Goulburn get away as they did in the qualifying final two weeks ago. The first quarter went to plan with the added bonus of a free kick after the siren that allowed Shane Lees to add a goal. The Roos led 3-3-21 to the Swans 1-3-9. It wasn’t a huge lead but in the context of the game it was better to be in front than behind.

There was never going to be a big lead in this game. Goulburn came out hard in the second quarter and outscored the Roos. It was a tough battle and the Swans looked capable of breaking away but the Roos fought on doggedly to restrict the damage. Halftime saw the teams poised for a nail-biter as Goulburn were just in front 5-6-36 to Yass 5-4-34. The halftime mood in the Roos camp was positive but the boys also recognised this one was not going to come easily. There was plenty of work to do.

The third quarter went almost to plan for the Roos but not quite. They managed to dominate possession and notch seven scoring shots to three but the return on the scoreboard was not good enough. The Swans got three goals while the Roos only managed one goal and six behinds. Goulburn went into the last quarter leading by eight points 8-6-54 to 6-10-46.

The opening goal of the last quarter went to Goulburn and the pressure was all on the Roos. The supporters were in fine voice and when the Roos scored the next goal the roar was fantastic. This support was felt on the ground and the Roos seemed to lift that little bit more. The Roos got within three points of the Swans late in the quarter. Shane Lees then landed a fine goal to put the Roos in front for the first time since late in the second quarter and the Yass crowd went wild sensing a win. There was four minutes left and plenty of time for Goulburn to respond but the Roos threw everything at them to stop any forward progress. Paul Wasley had a chance to seal the match with a snap shot but it only went through for a minor score. A four point lead and two minutes to play! Goulburn was working the ball to their end but the Roos defence held strong and time ran out for the Swans. The Roos won 9-12-66 to the Swans 9-8-62. It was a bitter loss for the Swans but the Roos were ecstatic to have earned another shot at a premiership win.

The backline dominated the best player list for the Roos with Adam Forth, Steve O'Brien, and Tom Hanson all having strong games. Paul Wasley was the standout forward while Nick Burridge and Jamie Duncan were impressive from the centre. They were not alone however as plenty of players contributed to this strong performance.

It has been a hard finals series for the Roos and the toughest match is still to come. Cootamundra have been the form side of the competition and have beaten Yass in both home and away encounters this season. The Roos on the other hand have shown that grit and determination can overcome all odds. Last year’s grand final loss will be in the mind of many Yass players who are backing up again this year. They will be out to turn that result around and bring another premiership home. This game should be a cracker!

The grand final is on this Saturday at Gungahlin Town Centre Oval beginning at the earlier time of 11am. This is the big one. Be there early and lend your voice to the Yass Roos’ cheer squad. Your support will help the Roos bring home the prize.

Don’t forget presentation night as well. This will be on September 20 at the Yass Golf Club. A buffet dinner gets underway at 6pm followed by the awards presentation and Best and Fairest vote count. Tickets are $30 per person (kids $5) and bookings can be made by calling Katie Brooks on 0439 864 303. Come and celebrate the season with the Roos.

I’ll see you at the grand final. Go the Roos!

The Fox Terrier.