by Nicholas Duck
Finals fever has hit Warragul this week as the Gulls prepare for a do-or-die showdown with Morwell at Wonthaggi on Sunday.
The Gulls finally secured their spot in the Gippsland League's final five on Saturday after a 43-point Western Derby win over local rivals Drouin.
It's been a long time coming for the club's senior football side, who have not featured in the finals since 2016. It's been longer still since they've won a final, when they defeated Maffra in 2008's first semi final.
Warragul have built their success this season off the back of some smart recruiting as well as many of their younger players taking big strides in their development.
It's seen them leap their way up the ladder, going from five wins in 2024 to 11 this year.
Six of those came consecutively from rounds nine to 15, including a massive scalp in a stunning comeback over reigning premiers Traralgon.
And now the Gulls face off with another team looking to push their way into premiership contention in Morwell.
The Tigers have been another good news story this season, working their way to a fourth-place finish after two disappointing years on the field.
Many thought when the yellow and black fought their way to fifth in 2022 they would go on to become a real threat in the years to come, only for them to settle for consecutive sixth-placed finishes.
Go back to round 11 and they seemed destined for another frustrating season following a limp loss at home to a fellow contender for the five.
Since that point they've won six of their past seven, including games against contenders like Traralgon and Moe.
So who was the team that knocked them off at their home and sparked their turnaround? Warragul.
The Gulls and Tigers faced off twice during the home and away season for vastly different results.
Back in round two Morwell raced out of the blocks at Western Park, booting the first seven goals of the day after Warragul forgot to show up until halfway through the second term.
The round 11 rematch went very differently as Warragul, in the midst of their six-game streak, were far more ferocious around the ball in a fairly comprehensive performance.
None of that matters come the first bounce on Sunday, where there's no tomorrow for the loser.
The Gulls will be looking for strong performances from some of their stars across the field.
It all starts in the midfield, where Warragul will be led by some of the league's toughest on-ballers.
Tom Hobbs has showcased plenty of his talents this year, charging through opposition players like a bull to be one of the league's premier contested ballwinners.
Hobbs has also been handy up forward, where he's kicked 22 goals from 16 games.
Likewise Isaac Wallace will be hard to stop in full flight, as will young Riley Senini and VFL recruit Will Hayes.
They'll need their best, especially given the form of Morwell's stars, including coach Boyd Bailey and Anthony Rosato.
Key to their success this year of course has been the exploits of ruck Sam Whibley. Whibley spent the entire 2024 season on the sidelines after a horrific leg injury at the backend of the year prior but has returned with a vengeance, sitting second in the league for hit outs.
Some of his tap work this year has been sublime, and how he handles Morwell ruck Isaac Abas will go a long way to deciding the result.,
Down back, the Gulls have been led from the front by a stellar year from Sean Masterson. The interceptor has enjoyed his finest year yet in Gulls colours, helped in large part by the development of the players around him.
Lockdown defender Patrick Mulqueen's importance has gone understated this year, as young high fliers Lucas Carter and Liam Serong have impressed.
Up forward the Gulls' fortunes rest largely on their key forwards, and none loom larger than Jordan Stewart.
The Pakenham recruit has been a revelation since coming into the team halfway through the year, booting 30 goals from nine games - one of which he spent as a defender.
Brayden Fowler also appears to be finding some form as he comes into the game off a four-goal showing against Drouin.
Key for the Gulls is that they're coming into the game in mostly good health, as coach Jed Lamb has almost a full complement of players at his disposal.
Win or lose it's been a successful year for Lamb, who will step away from the position at the end of the season.
Lamb's made no secret of his belief in his side - he thinks if things go right they can win it all.
Step one will be beating Morwell. No matter the result we should be in for a cracking game of footy.
First bounce will be on Sunday at 2:20pm at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve.