After coming off a forfeit from the Dapto Stallions a fortnight ago, the Ulladulla Zauner Dockers finished the season in third place giving them double chance in a five-team final series.

This meant the Dockers were to meet the University Bulldogs at Artie Smith Oval, in what everyone knew would be a close and hard encounter.

Having the Dockers at nearly full-strength for the first time this year, it was going to give the local boys that little bit extra that they would need to get over the Dogs.

Last time they met, the Dockers got up by nine points in a thriller at West Street Oval in hurricane conditions.

But on Saturday, the Dockers were fully prepared for every possible situation that the Dogs would throw at them and from the first bounce, knowing it was going to be a battle.

The game was played at a frenetic pace and was goal for goal, with the lead changing several time through each quarter.

Players from both sides knew the importance of this game and it was the Dockers’ captain Matt Thompson that led by example to push his charges more in this game than any other this season.

At the last break, the scores were tied and both sides new that they needed something extra to get across the line.

The Dogs scored first, then the Dockers next, then the Dogs, then the Dockers put their heads down and with some great constructive play, forced a few errors to give them the next two scoring shots.

The Dockers heads were up and the Doggies gave them that opportunity to dig deep and hit hard.

The second part of the last quarter saw the Zauner Dockers pile on three quick goals to give them a 19 point win at the final siren.

A great win that helped the team take their next step to getting to the grand final at the Nowra Showground on Saturday, September 17.

But standing between the Dockers and that grand final spot are the minor-premiers Wollongong Lions this Saturday.  The match starts at 12pm, so come down and support the club in their quest for glory.