Having trailed for most of the first semi-final at the Eastern Oval, the Lakers did their best work in the last quarter to finally get the lead and then run away from Redan, which finished with just one fit player on the bench.

Redan took the early ascendancy to lead by 20 points at quarter time.

Grant Bell was instrumental in attack, with his three goals enabling the Lions to make the running.

However, while Redan led it was in the second quarter that injuries began hurt the Lions.

With Dan Watson already out of the game after lasting only a few minutes before being on the end of big bump, Brenton Riordan and Bell each limped off with knee problems.

Bell played out the game, but did not have same impact, while Riordan did not return in the second half.

It was always going to be a tough ask from that point forward, as Redan had just a two-point lead at the final break.

By this stage Lakers were starting to control the midfield, with Ash Simpson and Ben Taylor having a huge impact for the minor premier.

Steve Clifton put the Lakers in front one minute into the last quarter and from there they were able to cruise home – kicking four goals to one.

Lake Wendouree coach Gavin Webb praised his side’s resilience.

“We were confident that if we could break even in tight then we would eventually be able to open it up and score, which eventually happened.

“We still have some young players who are inexperienced, but you learn a lot from these types of games so it will hold them in good stead.” 

Outgoing Redan coach Eamonn Gill refused to use injuries as an excuse for the loss.

“You always get injuries in footy, that’s the way it goes.  Full credit to Lake Wendouree. There is a reason why they have been the top side this year.

“It’s probably a good indication of where our side has been this year,” he said.

Nathan Pring made his long awaited return for Lakers, stepping up from the emergency list with Tanner Robertson and Daniel Mahony, who ran with Nathan Horbury all day.