Willunga defeated McLaren by 63 points yesterday in the Preliminary Final to make their way through to the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) Grand Final at Yankalilla next Saturday (18/9). The Demons were dominant early as they had 11 scoring shots to 1 in the first quarter to lead by 25 points at quarter time. McLaren fought back in the second term as they added two goals while keeping Willunga scoreless as the Demons’ lead was cut to just 10 points at the long break. Willunga had the use of the breeze in the decisive third quarter and they took full advantage to kick 6.3 to 0.0 to take an unassailable 49-point lead into the last change. A further four goals to two in the last quarter saw the Demons win 14.13 (97) to 5.4 (34). Veteran Jake Standfield kicked four goals for Willunga, while Sean Beath kicked three. Henry Mathews and James Grimley each kicked two goals for the Eagles. In his second game back after three months off, Brian Fenton was best on ground for the Demons and he was well supported by Myles Warmington, Standfield, Liam Nye, Danny Irvine and Daniel Bass. Best for McLaren were Kaine Hopkins, Henry Mathews, Daniel Marr, Thomas Fenoughty and Sam Lawrie. Willunga will now get a shot at their first ‘A’ grade flag since 2009 and try to end Langhorne Creek’s dream of four consecutive premierships. 

Grand Finals @ Yankalilla - Saturday 18 September

‘A’ Grade (2.30pm)

Langhorne Creek v Willunga

‘B’ Grade (12.45pm)

Myponga/Sellicks v McLaren

Senior Colts (11.15am)

Encounter Bay v Willunga

Junior Colts (9.30am)

McLaren v Willunga