Queanbeyan to face Swans Reserves
While the final margin of the preliminary final was just 28 points, Queanbeyan did enough in a huge third term to build a 40-point lead going into the final break, which effectively sealed the game.
The Tigers led at every change, but the Demons were able to stay with them early on and momentum swung often throughout the contest.
Each club had two goals to quarter time and the lead was just 15 points at half time. However, after that the Tigers put the foot down.
Goals to Todd Dickinson, Kaine Stevens, Ben King and Jarrod Atkinson gave the minor premiers an unassailable lead.
Atkinson led the game with three goals, while teammate James Kavanagh had two. In defence, Roy Jaques, Jeremy Kirkwood and Josh Bryce were vital in holding off the Demons’ forwards.
For the Demons, utility Dean Roulstone provided plenty of drive, while Aaron Bruce and Chad Gibson had two goals each.
The win is the latest chapter in a remarkable turnaround for Queanbeyan, who finished second-last in the NEAFL Eastern Conference last year.
The Grand Final against the Sydney Swans Reserves will be played next Sunday at Manuka Oval, 2pm.
NEAFL Eastern Conference preliminary final:
Queanbeyan 14.13 (97) def. Eastlake 10.9 (69)
Queanbeyan: GOALS: J. Atkinson 3, J. Kavanagh 2, B. Fruend, J. Kirkwood, N. Irwin, W. Griggs, M. Daniher, S. Daniel, T. Dickinson, K. Stevens, B. King
BEST: J. Kirkwood, T. Dickinson, A. Overs, K. Atkinson, M. Heaslip
Eastlake: GOALS: A. Bruce 2, C. Gibson 2, S. Gumley, R. Brabazon, M. Taylforth, D. Roulstone, S. Mardling, J. Moody
BEST: J. Van Meurs, D. Roulstone, S. Smith, J. Mesman, A. Wiles, M. Wilson