Кроусы из Куинстауна прошли в финал после самой сложной за последние годы кампании

It's fair to say the Queenstown Football Club has endured its toughest season in recent memory. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading But that hasn't stopped the Crows from surviving their do-or-die DFA final on Saturday, August 15, prevailing over Curpona, 18.6 (114) to 10.13 (73) at Wivenhoe Recreation Ground. For the first time since 2022, Queenstown entered the finals without a double chance - a challenge coach Lachlan McKellar and his side are eagerly embracing. "I really put it on the boys just to enjoy the challenge of having to go about it the hard way this year, the last three years we've been lucky enough to finish top three and go straight through," McKellar said. "So just embracing the challenge and the unknown of pretty much scrapping our best team together for the first time. And just go out there and enjoy our footy and the result will take care of itself. "It's just infectious when your leaders can lead from the front in a big game and everyone else can jump on, but it was a massive team effort and quite a dominant performance." The Crows were fast out of the blocks with a five-goal to one first quarter seeing them lead by 22 points, which was repeated in the second term to extend the advantage to 45 before half time. Both sides registered eight goals apiece in the second half to see last year's runners-up prevail by 41 points. Captain Sam Newson took the game by the scruff of the neck with a game-high eight majors, leading to being judged best on ground. Alex Dilger booted four. Bulldogs' coach Nathan Russell led his side with four majors, but it was Brock Bucknell who was named the side's best. It's just infectious when your leaders can lead from the front in a big game and everyone else can jump on, but it was a massive team effort and quite a dominant performance. - Lachlan McKellar Facing a crippling player shortage, McKellar opened up about the immense strain his side has weathered this season. "We've had to forfeit a game in the reserves and I did the numbers this week, we've doubled up pretty much seven blokes on average every week," he said. "It's nice to be out there with a full team and I actually put a plan in place, structure-wise and rotations-wise, which is good for a bit of a change. "We'll just take it one week at a time. The pressure's off a bit compared to previous years where we've been first or second and expected to win finals." In the qualifying final, South Burnie flexed its muscles to record a 13.13 (91) to 10.7 (67) win over Ridgley. The Saints led by 10 points at quarter time, before a six-goal to one-goal second term gave the Hawks a 22-point advantage at half time. The margin blew out to 39 points come three-quarter time, which was cut back to four goals before the final siren. Rohan Baldock's class shone through for South Burnie with a six-goal haul. Ethan Berechree was named the side's best. Marcus Gee, Leigh Hodgetts, Nathan Radford, Alex Wynwood and Aydn Martin kicked two each for the Saints, with the latter judged the team's best. Reigning premiers book first grand final spot East Ulverstone is the first team through to the NWFA decider after knocking off Wesley Vale, 13.11 (89) to 10.9 (69). The Crows built on their 11-point quarter time lead, extending it to 27 by half-time at Maidstone Park. The second half saw the Kangaroos kick eight goals to seven, but it only reduced the final margin to 20 points. Troy Purton led the reigning premiers in front of goals with five. Heath Horton was named the Crows' best. For Wesley Vale, Keygan Cornwall booted four majors. Kaiden Lamprey picked up best on ground honours for his side. The Kangaroos will face the winner of Motton Preston and Sheffield, which took place on Sunday, August 16.