The Falcons lost only one game during the home and away season, which was by a point, and were the team to beat for the TAC Cup premiership, compared to the Stingrays, who had been inconsistent.

The game started at a frenetic pace with the Stingrays' tackle pressure at a season high with 24 effective tackles in the first term. The pressure forced the free-flowing Falcons into uncharacteristic errors which the Stingrays counter-attacked to great effect, and at the first change they led by 25 points.

Jim Cottrell was on top of Falcons' key playmaker Zac Ledin, Riley Heddles controlled Morrish Medal runner-up Alan Christensen, and the Stingrays' midfield was well on top.

The second term was an arm wrestle as the Falcons threw everything at the Stingrays. Both defences were on top, which is why both teams could get only a goal each. The Stingrays' back men James Hallahan, Dylan Robertson, Jarryd Amalfi, Andrew McInnes, Matt Shaw and Luke Sheppard were all running hard and working the ball out of the back 50 to a hard-working midfield led by Ryan Bastinac and Madison Andrews.

Up forward the goals were shared, with 16-year-old Luke Parker and Adam Treloar kicking two each.

At half-time, Stingrays coach Graeme Yeats demanded his players maintain the pressure, which they did, booting three goals to two in the third term and two goals to one on the final term to win 11.17(83) to 5.12(42).

The only downer for the Stingrays was the number of missed scoring opportunities, but Yeats was pleased with the all-round contribution of his team and with a clean bill of health, the Stingrays are well poised to win their first TAC Cup premiership. The grand final is at Etihad Stadium at 4.30pm on Friday against the Calder Cannons.