Millicent has entered its second grand final in three attempts after it disposed of reigning premier North Gambier in ominous fashion during Saturday’s Bendigo Bank Western Border Football League preliminary final.

With memories still fresh from the Tigers’ triumphant 2019 campaign some may had been getting flashbacks when the yellow and black had a dream start.

A high tackle ensured the first clearance went North’s way through Nick McInerney and he teamed up with Brett Shepherdson to pump the ball inside 50.

The disputed ball was won decisively by Toby de Wit, who punted the Sherrin off the ground and into the goals off.

After slotting an unconventional goal inside the first minute, Tigers’ fans were up and about, but their roars died down very quickly.

Inspired by the return of previously injured captain Jacob Carger, the Saints midfield flexed their muscles and made their mark.

After eight minutes elapsed, Carger’s difference was already noticeable and Millicent scored its first major off the boot of Gene Robinson after his snap bent around the left-hand goal post.

As the likes of Carger, Sam Willis and Clint Gallio compiled the possessions the Saints started to take control and open a large lead.

Willis was the man who stunned the crowd with his trademark snap from deep in the pocket..

Classy North coach Justin McConnell managed to stem the flow briefly, but it was not enough to stop Millicent pulling out all the tricks and opening up a 43-16 lead at quarter time.

If the ever-present winds were not tricky enough the heavens opened as the teams changed ends and scoring froze as a result.

Both sides scored two goals each to keep the yellow and black interested five goals back.

However, all of North’s hopes were almost extinguished during a nightmare third term.

The Tigers could only muster three minor scores as the Saints’ lead grew towards the 50-point barrier.

The biggest downside was the departure of Jake Schutz, who had to be assisted from the ground after being unable to get up from a contest.

Both sides found more freedom scoring in the final term and North even managed to outscore its fancied opponents thanks to the brute force of co-captains Nick McInerney and Brad Stafford in the middle, while McConnell finished with three goals.

Gene Robinson collected a bag of five or more goals for the 11th time this year and had a lot of company inside 50 with Caleb Williams, Kade Varcoe and Carger all banged home multiple majors.

A wide pool of players put their hands up for the Saints with Callen Mcgrath, Sam Gray and ruck Finn Grimes particularly impressive.

Gallio said it was the performance his team needed after a disappointing qualifying final loss to South Gambier.

“It was very pleasing to win the way we did,” he said.

“We were a little bit down after the week before and knew we had to improve or could have faced going out in straight sets.

“From the word go our intensity and pressure was good in some tricky winds against a side like North.”

Gallio paid credited to his side’s clean ball use with many silky operators all over the ground, while many of his leading youngsters were match ready after cutting their teeth in the Under 16 and 18 preliminary finals in the morning.

“We had a good start and I guess we did not look back,” he said.

“Our pressure and ball use were much better than the week before because we had good contributors all day.

“It was great for the young blokes in particularly to stand up in big games like this.”

Following the comprehensive performance, only one team stands in the way of Millicent from securing an unlikely Western Border premiership.

The Saints now have a date with destiny against South Gambier at Malseed Park on the last Saturday in September.

After Millicent did not win a game in its previous season two years ago, Gallio acknowledged reaching the big dance was a tremendous achievement, but is determined to take things one step at a time.

“It is always a good feeling when that final siren goes knowing you have made it into a grand final,” he said.

“We had a quick chat saying lets enjoy it, but be back on the job 24 hours later because we have a massive opportunity.

“We will keep a lid on it because we have a big week coming up.”