Lexton took the final spot in the top four, and with it, the double chance, as they held off all of Dunolly’s advances to win by 12 points in a crucial clash at Deledio Reserve.
Knowing that there was plenty on the line for the winner of this game, with Lexton vying for their first appearance in the top four since 2021, and Dunolly seeking the double chance for the first time since 2009, the pace was hot all afternoon.
The Eagles got off to a hot start, kicking three goals to two in the opening quarter to lead at quarter time by seven points.
But it was all Lexton in the second term as the Tigers dictated terms to hit the front. As it turned out, this would be the critical quarter for the Tigers, kicking three goals to one to take an 11-point half time lead.
In what would be a pattern throughout the second half, the third quarter saw both teams exchange goals, with both teams kicking three for the term, as the power struggle for supremacy raged on. In the end, Lexton would win the quarter by a point, extending their lead to 12 points at the final change.
The shackles were released in the final term as both teams threw caution to the wind, with Lexton looking to keep Dunolly at arms’ length, while the Eagles were looking to overhaul the Tigers.
In the end, however, it was Lexton who did enough, scoring one of their most satisfying victories of the season to book a date with Natte Bealiba in next week’s qualifying final at Princes Park.
It was jumping Jaykeb Lench who was the architect of the Tigers’ victory, taking control of the ruck battle and giving his midfielders first use of the ball. That allowed Lochlan Pett, Alex McLean and Jack Peacock to take control of the midfield battle, while Tyler Trickey and Joel Antonio also provided great support.
Pat Parr and Benjamin Noonan kicked seven goals between them, while James Templeton added two goals for the winners.
For Dunolly, Bailey Wingrave had a terrific outing, and between his three goals and Jake Willcocks’ haul of five, were the main goalkickers for the Eagles. Lachlan Tranter, Daniel Trull, Bailey Goodwin, Brayden Watson and Jack Merrin were also handy players throughout the afternoon.
The Eagles, with their loss, are consigned to the elimination final at Princes Park, and will face off against Newstead in a final for the first time since the 2009 decider.