PFNL finals: Pinjarra Tigers topple Baldivis to book their spot in 2017 grand final

Two late goals to Mitch Brown was enough for a marvelous Tigers outfit to fend off a spirited Baldivis side, claiming a 12.13 (85) to 8.6 (54) victory on their way to another week off and a grand final berth.

Mackenzie O’Brien was magnificent in the win for Pinjarra, setting the tone early as he had the ball on a string in the middle of the ground.

But his initial efforts went for naught as Baldivis notched the opening goal of the game through Luke Robinson.

Brumbies midfielder Callum Black was inspiring in the opening half of the game, and was off to a good start as his side escaped to seven-point lead at the first break.

Tremendous efforts from Brennan Gillam up forward helped the Tigers rein the Brumbies in early in the second but a goal-for-goal quarter, which included Robinson’s third, saw Baldivis clutching to a two-point buffer at the half time break.

The first half suggested the heavyweight bout would go down to the wire, but the Tigers had other ideas.

A stout and skilled defence led by Dean Beswick saw Pinjarra keep the Brumbies goalless in the third term, as Rob Beswick found plenty of footy in the midfield.

Up front the Tigers were able to pile on four of their own goals, coming through Brown, Gillam, Kaine Ah-Chee and Joel O’Driscoll.

With Pinjarra running rampant around the ground Baldivis struggled to get a sniff at a score, and basically needed to double their total if they were to pull off a comeback win in the fourth.

It was a task they were not up for.

Pinjarra got the early goal which loomed as a sealer when Mitch Green read the ball off a boundary throw-in to perfection.

He was able to get out the back of the contest and drive the ball forward to Gillam, who drew a free kick in the marking contest and converted his third goal of the match to gift Pinjarra a 29-point lead.

Baldivis dared to dream when goals to Cody Schnaars and Robinson brought the margin back to 16 points, but Brown nailed his second and third goals to ensure the game was well and truly over despite a late snag from Brendan Tingey.

Pinjarra will now enjoy their prize of a second bye in the space of three weeks, and the luxury of an assured grand final berth.

Baldivis on the other hand will face a dangerous test when they come up against an in-form Waroona outfit in the preliminary final.

The Demons ran riot over Centrals to keep their season alive on Sunday, storming their way to a 23.12 (150) to 11.10 (76) victory.

It’s a straight sets exit for Centrals, who now enter the off-season without a finals victory.