Defending premiers can make it back-to-back flags if they beat Tigers in the grand final this weekend.
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In a tough preliminary final at Legend Oval on Saturday the Buffalo boys outlasted the Young Guns of Lake Nash repeating last year’s grand final result and denying the Territorians a spot in their fourth consecutive grand final.
When the North West Star caught up with proceedings the game had just entered the fourth quarter and it was anyone’s game.
At the time Buffs held a slender nine point lead 7-10 to 6-7 with several behinds costing them a more comfortable position against dangerous opponents who could turn on the style in the blink of an eye.
But it was the premiers who settled quickest in the quarter.
They bagged two quick goals to give their fans plenty to cheer about.
When Young Guns could only manage a behind in response, Buffs quickly brought the ball down the other end and with their 10th goal of the game seem to put matters out of reach.
At that stage the score was 10-10 (70) to 6-8 (44) and 26 points seemed too big a margin to claw back with just 10 minutes left.
Credit to Lake Nash though as they scored two quick goals in succession as Lake Nash suffered a slight bout of the collywobbles.
The visiting fans roared on their team but Buffs steadied and withstood the mini-storm.
With tired legs all over the field Buffs bagged the next two goals to finally put the game beyond the brave Young Guns.
Their players celebrated as the final siren sounded to to give the blue boys victory.
Final score Buffs 12-10 (82), Young Guns 8-8 (56).
Now it is an all Mount Isa final Buffs versus Tigers, as the two premiers of the last two years do battle for the 2018 flag.