September and spring have arrived which means one thing, footy finals and the big names in the Western Border world are ready to put their bodies on the line as the stakes rise to new heights.

After a minor-round season elongated by numerous COVID-19 interruptions, the stage is set for a gripping finals series and it all kicks off with double dose of action this weekend.

The high-profile action will ignite with the opening semi-final at Vansittart Park where a ticket to ride straight into the grand final is there for the taking.

The doorway to the decider was scheduled to be held at Casterton’s Island Park, but due to the Victorian lockdown, teams will now venture into the heart of Mount Gambier at Vansittart Park.

South Gambier and Millicent are the big boys fighting it out after proving they are the class of the competition.

Both sides have defeated all comers over the course of the season and at their best can show why they have what it takes to go all the way.

The Demons have been the most consistent thanks to their supreme start to the season winning 12 of their first 13 games.

Brayden Kain has been an inspirational playing coach letting his actions do the talking in the forward line with a team-best 35 goals.

The experienced Kym Eagleson forms the other key part of the forward line, while Brodie Foster hopes to find his best having only kicked four goals in three games since his return from injury.

Rustiness could be South’s biggest concern after the side was forced to miss its final round clash against Casterton Sandford due to the Victorian lockdown.

Despite the Demons’ dominant 2021 campaign, the side is not exactly charging into finals at full steam after rotating some players and losing heavily to East Gambier.

However, they found some diamonds in the rough in the form of Mitch and Noah Sims, who showed they have what it takes to perform at the top level.

Key midfields Scott Enderl and Brett O’Neil have not been at 100% fitness lately, but expect them and the entire South squad to rise for the big game.

On the other hand Millicent enters September on cloud nine after knocking over chief-rival East Gambier away from home to seal the second spot in a finals dress rehearsal.

The Saints have won six of their last seven games including the previous Demons clash where their fierce tackling pressure suffocated the ladder leaders.

Clint Gallio’s men will look to implement a similar strategy to head into a memorable decider, especially if the forecast showers arrive.

Millicent did not win a game in 2019 and skipped 2020 to be primed for this season where recruits Gene Robinson, Tom Renzi, Jacob Carger (who should overcome a calf complaint) and the returning Gallio have played key roles.

Robinson is obviously the man to watch in the forward line fresh from kicking 100 goals in the season, while young guns such as Frazer Bradley and Zac McGuinness add plenty of flare.

Both sides play attractive football, so expect a thoroughly entertaining game which could go either way.

The traditional rivalry of East and North Gambier will be as fierce as ever when they fight for survival in Sunday’s semi-final at Millicent’s McLaughlin Park.

The Bulldogs hold the aces having won all three battles with the Tigers in 2021 including a 79-point thumping in the previous encounter.

Despite missing out on the double chance to Millicent at home on Saturday, East has been playing the better football of late.

Many candidates from the youth of Keenan Dwyer to the experience of Matt McCallum and co-coaches Matt Willson and Jayden Eldridge have given the side plenty of potency in the midfield.

The Bulldogs also have a variety of scoring options from the seasoned Matthew Scanlon to the unpredictable Giancarlo Cooper.

One area of concern is the fitness of Jake Harrap, who has missed the last three games due to injury.

The Tigers have suffered a couple of stumbles ahead of finals after losing their previous three fixtures.

Two of them were against higher-placed sides, but last week a departing West Gambier proved too strong across four quarters.

North is sweating on the fitness of co-captains Nick McInerney and Brad Stafford, who have struggled to get on the park, but provide plenty of drive when they do.

Journeyman Scott Flett is also under a fitness cloud and could leave another big hole in the stoppages, but the Tigers are confident they have the depth to challenge.

At either end of the ground Jake Schutz and Sam Stafford carry a lot of responsibility, while North coach Justin McConnell is instrumental on and off the field.

East might hold the high ground, but do not expect the Tigers to go down without a fight.

Much like its older brother, South Gambier is the hot favourite to win the Reserves flag.

The Demons have not missed a beat through entire season and will be confident of overcoming West Gambier in the qualifier.

South’s senior setup has endless depth and Luke Foran has been a shining light for the B team, as has Charlie Fisher leading the goal-kicking list with 42 majors.

The Roos know they are in for a challenge after a 75-15 loss in the previous South stouch, but hope Riley Wilson and Arron Heron can make some magic.

The knockout battle between East Gambier and Millicent should be much tighter battle.

Both sides have had their ups and downs against one another, but the Bulldogs are the favourites to stay alive after Josh Weedon inspired a 37-point win last week.

South Gambier’s top junior side is also riding a high after an unbeaten run to the Under 18’s minor premiership.

The junior Demons have strength in numbers with many big names to choose from led by Alex Ridding.

The side’s ability to blow away allcomers has been scary and Millicent knows it has a mountain to climb.

The West and North Gambier matchup should be an interesting battle as the rivals seek survival.

The Roos have had the edge over the Tigers, but expect the unexpected after a draw in round 10.

The Under 16’s competition has been painted red by the two South Gambier sides which will face off for a grand final berth.

South White managed to snatch the minor premiership, but the red team has had recent success against its sister team.

Fireworks are a given when the intraclub rivals go head-to-head.

Millicent and West Gambier are the two clubs looking to join the Demons’ twins in the race for the trophy.

The Saints are the favourites being the more consistent outfit fronted by Eli Redman and have won their last six matches.

South White and North Gambier have been head and shoulders above their rivals in Under 14’s, but only one can book a grand final ticket this weekend.

The sides have split the two previous contests evenly, so the semi-final could go either way with Jacob Salmon and Aaron Dally names to look out for.

East Gambier and Millicent emerged from a narrow three-way fight for finals and must maximize those gutsy skills to keep the dream alive.

The rivals met less than one week ago in a dress rehearsal on Saturday where Jarvi Mee pushed the Bulldogs over the line.