Twelve months of work has Westmeadows back in the same spot as last year, with the drive to go one step better in the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition.
After a surprise grand final run last year, the Tigers entered the season as one of the favourites and a real motivation to have a shot at glory.
On Sunday, the Tigers produced a strong performance against Keilor Park to seal its spot back in the final game of the season.
“It was hard this year to be where we are,” Tigers coach Ash Flavel said. “We wanted to finish top two at the start of the year and we did that.
“It was a bit harder with the way the finals structure was. We only needed one game to get there and we’ve done that now.
“I think the heart of losing last year will hopefully go in our favour knowing we have been there before.”
Flavel and the playing group knew they had plenty of pressure on them heading into the season.
A couple of early season losses hurt the side but the group has continued to build and build throughout the season.
Flavel said he thought the win against Keilor Park on Saturday was the most complete game they had put together.
He said he thought they played well for three quarters and it showed on the scoreboard.
The Tigers opened up an early lead and the margin was 33 points at half time.
That would be the difference with the Tigers winning, 14.15 (99)-11.4 (70).
Flavel said it was nice to be able to control the momentum.
“We started well and just had the good preparation for the two weeks,” he said. “I could see the steel in their eyes, they knew they were going to come to play.
“Keilor Park credit to them got their momentum throughout the game and they were coming, but stemmed a little bit in the third quarter.
“Then the last quarter was just a bit of a free for all.”
Flavel said while the Devils kicked four goals in a row in the third quarter and were able to stem the flow.
He said it didn’t matter how much you win by, as long as you make the grand final.
The Tigers will take a healthy list into the grand final.
Westmeadows is searching for its first senior premiership in 45 years.
It will face Rupertswood in the grand final, with the Sharks beating Glenroy in the other preliminary final.
The last time these two teams played, a Ryan Stingel kick on the siren won the game for the Tigers.
“Throughout the year we have beaten them both times but come the grand final, that doesn’t mean anything.
“They are a quality side.
“It’s been a long time and to see the people that have put in the hardyards around the club.
“To know they have finally got there and in that window now.”
