The minor rounds are over and now the business end starts after the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League played the 16th and final home and away round for 2022 on the weekend.
Lucindale finished on top after the minor rounds and put in a strong performance by defeating the Kingston Saints by 48 points.
Henry Tregoweth banged through five goals and Hamish Gordon kicked three of his own as the Roos controlled most of the game.
The Saints tried to stay close as Todd Lockwood kicked four goals and James Siviour kicked three but they could not keep up.
Bordertown withstood a big second half fight back by Border Districts to record a solid 13-point win.
The Roosters controlled the play in the first half and were able to open up a 51-point lead.
However, the Eagles hit back in the second half by kicking 11 goals to five to get back into the game, but they left the run too late.
Thomas Whittlesea kicked five goals with the help of Jacob Eats to keep Bordertown in front after the late charge fronted by Mitchell Coles and Mark Quinn.
Keith pulled away in the second half of its clash against Kybybolite to come away with a sound 38-point win.
The Crows were not having it their own way for most of the game as they led by 19-points at the last change until a Lewis Hender five-goal bag fronted a huge last term.
Stephen Craig capped off a great season by kicking seven goals in a great losing effort for the Tigers.
Penola finished a low season on a high by recording its second win of the season in a great come from behind victory against Padthaway.
The Eagles trailed the Lions by nine points at half time, but kicked eight goals to two in the second half to end their season on a winning note.
Bradley Merrett was outstanding with nine goals and along with the help of Bradley Merrett, Bradley Bryant and Jacob Robbie Penola powered to a memorable win.
For the Lions, Joshua Miller had a great game in front of goal with six majors.
Naracoorte recorded a strong victory over Mundulla as both teams looked for some run in the legs before the finals.
Sam Bates, Rory Taggert and Sam Willson each kicked three goals to help the Demons get across the line in the latter’s milestone game.
James Hinge was a lone hand in front of goal for Mundulla with four goals.
Finals kick off this week and Saturday’s qualifying final will be a great contest as Keith plays Mundulla at Kybybolite.
The Tigers won the first match in round one by 19 points, but the Crows were able to turn that result around in round 10.
Mundulla will be hoping to have their full side to choose as they have had a couple of injury concerns led by Jake McGrice who has not played four of the last five games.
The Tigers’ length is a concern for the Crows if they are at full strength as Darcy King can play anywhere and Tom Gaden is a constant rebound machine.
The Crows have many scoring options in Billy Wade, Lewis Hender and George Johnson, while .
Daniel Bibby has had an outstanding season being a midfielder who can put scores on the board.
George Thring adds a lot of SANFL experience to the line-up and will be a key player as well.
I find it hard to pick a winner off and Mundulla might just prevail in a tough fought contest, but only if Jake McGrice is fit to play.
If he is not there on the field, the Crows might be able to take full advantage and get over the line.
The elimination final on Sunday should also see a tough contest between Naracoorte and Kingston at Lucindale.
The Demons ran the Saints off their feet in their most recent contest in round 14 as players like Rory Taggert, Sam Willson and Matt Willson were given too much space when the game was in the balance.
Naracoorte has been in some great form with some weapons to hurt any team.
But Kingston also has some weapons of its own with a multi-pronged forward line of Todd Lockwood
Naracoorte will look to shut the Saints’ run down and start favourites based on current form.
