Three goals to Corey Jones, and a best on ground performance from Cruize Garlett were the catalyst behind North Ballarat's Qualifying Final win over Port Melbourne.
With the game in the balance at three quarter time, the Roosters made the most of their home ground advantage and a big crowd at Eureka Stadium as they booted seven goals to nil in the final term to salute by 48 points.
It was a great feat for the North Melbourne affiliate, Port Melbourne breaking out to a three goal lead at one stage in the premiership quarter before the reigning premiers fought back strongly to claim a Preliminary Final berth in two weeks time.
Jones was the leading goal kicker for North Ballarat along with Stephen Dinnell who chimed in with three of his own. Zach Sengstock and Christopher Cain booted two apiece for the Borough.
In the midfield, Garlett had his best game of the season racking up possessions at will, while Stephen Clifton played a big part in the Roosters' revival winning plenty of the ball when the game was in the balance.
Despite looking unlikely to play at the start of the week with injury, Daniel Feery was also in the best, while Marcus White was strong in a defensive role.
North Ballarat will now enjoy a week long break before a showdown against either Williamstown or Collingwood for a place in the Grand Final.
Collingwood had a big win over Casey on Saturday, Brad Dick and Danny Stanley the stars for the Magpies. It was a different story for the Seagulls who fell at their first hurdle against the Northern Bullants at Burbank Oval. Tim Callan and Wayde Skipper were in the best, while David Ellard and Steven Browne led the way for the Bullants.
In the other game, Box Hill had a convincing win over Geelong by 34 points at TEAC Oval. Four goals from James Podsiadly was not enough to help the Cats over the line, as Adem Yze and Tim Walsh guided the Hawks to the second week of the finals.
North Ballarat 2.3 4.3 8.6 15.8-98
Port Melbourne 1.3 2.7 6.11 6.14-50
North Ballarat
Goal Kickers: C. Jones 3, S. Dinnell 3, S. Clifton 2, E. Lower, D. Chester, M. Sewell, A. Edwards, B. Goodes, T. Roach, M. Wundke
Best Players: C. Garlett, D. Feery, M. Searl, J. Spolding, S. Clifton, P. McMahon
Port Melbourne
Goal Kickers: Z. Sengstock 2, C. Cain 2, A. Bonaddio, B. Neville
Best Players: C. Cain, S. Pleming, B. Nixon, N. Batsanis, M. Dillon, P. Hassett
Roosters Cruize to Preliminary Final
Three goals to Corey Jones, and a best on ground performance from Cruize Garlett were the catalyst behind North Ballarat's Qualifying Final win over Port Melbou
