Sturt eventually burst the dam wall open to earn its third Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final berth in four years with a 39-point win against Woodville-West Torrens at Adelaide Oval.
Set to tackle arch-rival Norwood in a mouth-watering title-decider for the first time since 1978, the Double Blues overwhelming inside 50m count (66-28) proved too much for the gallant Eagles to overcome as they piled on 6.2 to 1.2 in the final quarter.
Taking genuine momentum into their encounter with the Redlegs, Sturt’s triumph was made more impressive considering it was without Jared Dakin for the majority of the match after the consistent midfielder injured his hamstring in the opening minute.
Sturt coach Marty Mattner, set to chase his fourth flag, will be sweating on the fitness of star defender Casey Voss who left the field nearing time-on of the fourth term with a dislocated left shoulder.
Voss, and first-choice ruck Amos Doyle (neck), will be seeking to prove their fitness during the week as the Blues seek to win back-to-back flags.
Leading by just nine points at three-quarter time despite their dominance in the majority of statistic counts, Sturt sprang to life as x-factor forward Ash Johnson slammed through three of his six game-breaking goals.
Finally, the scoreboard reward came for the reigning premier as it tidied up its ball use moving forward with Magarey Medallist Tom Lewis back to his best to be adjudged Hostplus Super Player of the Day with 31 disposals, eight clearances and 10 tackles.
Marty Frederick ran and carried the Sherrin nicely with his 29 disposals while fellow Sturt midfielder Will Snelling had a strong first half to rack up 22 of his 27 touches before half-time.
Alex Holt provided drive off half-back with his 23 disposals for Sturt while Sam Conforti was busy forward of centre for 21 disposals and a goal.
The Eagles, chasing their first Grand Final berth since their 2021 flag, ran out of puff after putting up a brave fight for the first half.
Eagles midfielders Ted Clohesy (28 disposals) and James Rowe (25 disposals) battled hard in the engine room while Kade Herbert was classy with his run, collecting 23 disposals and booting three goals.
Former Eagles skipper Joey Sinor finished his distinguished career with 17 disposals but was unable to put through a final term goal from his set shot deep into time-on.
Sturt dominated the inside 50m count in the opening half but was unable to translate its significant 32-14 advantage into scoreboard pressure.
The Double Blues trailed by as much as 19 points when Eagle Adam D’Aloia produced a nice finish on the run to give his team its sixth major midway through the second stanza.
Frustrated Sturt fans were left to lament their scoreline reading 3.10 (28) but two late majors before half-time began to swing momentum in their favour.
Ash Johnson converted his free kick in the goal square for holding on before Luca Slade ran into an open goal from 25m in front to put his side in front for the first time since 10 minutes into the opening term.
The only issue for the Double Blues at the main change was having to face the second half without Dakin, who hobbled to the bench after injuring his hamstring in the first minute of the match.
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Courtesy SANFL & Zac Milbank