FIGTREE president Ash Cairnduff was struck down with an achilles tendon tear, just two hours before the Kangaroos took a giant leap into the AFL South Coast finals.
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The injury in reserve grade meant Cairnduff missed the watershed moment when the Roos finally secured fifth, after a season-long tussle with Shellharbour and Bomaderry.
They will meet then Suns in an elimination showdown on Saturday week, after overpowering 11.9 (75) to 3.6 (24), having kept Bomaderry goalless in the second half.
“It’s great for the club, we certainly feel we’ve earned out place,” Cairnduff said.
“There’s a lot of young talent in this squad and we’ve been building since coming into firs grade.
“We’ve been able to go with the top sides for long periods this year and hopefully we can bring out best in the finals.”
Daniel Perger booted three for Figtree, with Simon Quinn and Matt Kirk among the standouts, in turning a 12-point half-time lead into a dominant win.
Meanwhile, a four-goal third term, while kicking with Saturday’s strong winds, led premiers Wollongong Lions to a 8.11 (59) to 4.3 (27) victory at North Dalton Park.
Kiama took back top spot on percentage after thrashing Nowra-Bomaderry by 194 points.
The Lions and Power meet in the final round at North Dalton Park, the winner to secure a week off.
In the other game on Saturday, Brendan White booted 10 goals in Shellharbour’s 16.24 (120) to 2.4 (16) win over Northern Districts.