But it was third time unlucky for the Lakers, whose dream run after finishing third on the ladder ended at the preliminary final stage, as Lancaster claimed a hard-fought victory in extra time to advance to the grand final.
Unable to be split at the full time whistle, there was still only the slimmest of margins at the end of extra time, with the Wombats claiming a 55-54 victory at Undera Recreation Reserve to move onto next week’s decider.
It was a mixture of excitement and partly relief at the final siren for Wombats co-coach Raz Hilton, who acknowledged Nagambie’s fight, but heaped praise on her side for their ability to stay composed with the game on the line.
“It really ebbed and flowed, I thought, so for a while there you really didn't know which way it was going to go,” she said.
“Credit to Nagambie, too, they kept coming, but also to our girls, just to have a steady head at the right times and probably just to really convert at those clutch moments, it was really important for us.”
It was perhaps the way her group stood up in those clutch moments that impressed Hilton the most, too, with the win displaying the well-balanced temperament of the group.
“Really, really proud of all of them,” she said.
“Because there was also a lot of noise too, it was probably the biggest crowd we’ve played in front of all year, and certainly the closest game.
“I think it just showed a lot of character, which is very exciting also going into a big game next week, so I’m extremely proud of the team.”
While it was doubtless a full team effort to get across the line, Hilton said the appetite of a particular individual in the dying stages stood out, with her performance drawing high praise from her coach.
“It was absolutely a team effort, but I thought our goaler, Micaela Herbert, when it really got tight, she really presented,” she said.
“She wanted that ball and wanted to take that shot, so I was very impressed with her game.”
The thrilling victory ensures the Wombats book their spot alongside a formidable Shepparton East side in the decider this coming Saturday, though in the immediate aftermath of the nail-biter, the focus was simply on soaking up the win.
“For now, I think pretty much as the game finished, I was just like, let's not think too far ahead,” Hilton said.
“(I said) let’s just embrace the grand final week, because it's a privilege to be a part of, but for now, just really capture that euphoric feeling and enjoy that win and celebrate that win.
“As of Tuesday though, we'll go to work and concentrate on the grand final.”
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