Lions storm into grand final

Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault booked their place in this year’s grand final by comfortably defeating minor premiers Bunbury by 36 points at Payne Park on Sunday.

The Lions have been the dominant team in September and turned it on after quarter time to beat the premiership favourites 12.13 (85) to 7.7 (49).

The match started well for the Bulldogs, with defender turned forward Travis Justins booting the first goal within 45 seconds.

The Lions settled quickly, but were inaccurate.

Kristin Thornton (three goals) was lively in the Lions’ forward line, as was Justins at the other end.

Bunbury were making the most of their chances and justly led at the first break.

The Bulldogs did not have much joy after this, with the Lions starting to dominate.

Brayden Prentice was starring for the Lions, who kicked five unanswered goals in the second term.

It took a brilliant solo effort from Brett Peake to give the Bulldogs their only goal of the quarter.

The Bulldogs needed to lift, but their third term started poorly when Thornton kicked a goal within the first minute.

Bunbury were getting more of the ball, but were being thwarted by a strong Lions’ backline.

Bunbury coach Jamie Nani asked for a big lift from his experienced players in the last term.

However, the Bulldogs could not make any inroads into the deficit and were soundly beaten.

Zac Piper had a massive final quarter for the Lions, picking up a number of disposals on the Lions’ way to a grand final berth.

The margin at the final siren remained at 36 points.

Their supporters and players were jubilant after such a dominant performance.

Lions coach Derek Hall was very satisfied post match.

"We brought the momentum from last week, and created many scoring opportunities.

“Our rebound and ball use was very good for the majority of the match. We are glad to get the week off to prepare for the big one."

Bulldogs coach Jamie Nani was disappointed with the effort of his team.

"We were outworked today.

“I don't know if it was finals nerves or that we were just flat.

“We were well beaten in the middle and couldn't get any drive from there".