WHOROULY earned the finals equivalent of the golden ticket on Saturday, earning a double chance after accounting for Greta by 22 points in a scrappy affair.
The Lions were on the back foot early after the Blues kicked away to a healthy lead during the second term.
But after fighting back Whorouly drew level at the final break before heading home with a wet sail, adding four goals to nil to win 13.14 (92) to 10.10 (70).
While it was far from a spectacle, coach Scott McMasters was more than happy with the result.
"It was a battle," McMasters said.
"It was bloody warm, and we were on the wrong end of a 35-15 free kick count that didn't make it any easier.
"To get the win and finish in the top four is an amazing achievement for these guys.
"Considering we had about 15-16 blokes out halfway through the year, it's taken a huge effort to get to here."
Josh Nixon was instrumental in attack, booting six goals, Kieren Schulz continued his sensational debut season with another best on ground display, while Trev Vyner and Brendan Roche were the workhorses in the middle.
"Josh is such a weapon when we move it quickly, he's such a big boy, he's either going to mark it or bring it to ground.
"Kieren was in everything again he won our best and fairest (on Saturday night).
"For a new recruit to come into the club at 18 years old, playing his first season of senior footy, and win the best and fairest is pretty incredible, but that's the type of year he's had.
"Trev has been back in for three or four games now, and like Josh, getting that continuity back is making him better and better, and when things get tough it's blokes like Trev and Boppa (Roche) who step up."
While the Lions copped a hiding last time they played Moyhu, McMasters said they would head into this week's qualifying final against the Hoppers with a positive mindset.
"We're a totally different side to what we were when we played them last," he said.
"They did give us a touch up, but our effort was the really damning thing that day, and I guarantee you, you won't see that happen again.
"That really did sting the boys, and I know we're going to turn up ready to go this time around."
BY - SCOTT ANDERSON.
MISMATCH: Greta coach Daniel McLaughlin and Whorouly big man Adam Pascoe compete for the ball during Saturday's clash. PHOTO: Cheryl Browne
Last Modified on 26/08/2011 06:41