Not since 2005, when Greg Barras booted six goals and catapulted the Burras into the grand final, has Hepburn prevailed over Waubra.

The game started in ferocious fashion with Waubra spearhead Lee Brown registering the first major after a wayward kick out of defence.

The Kangaroos controlled the opening term and kicked away to a three-goal lead at quarter time. The pivotal duel was between ruckmen George Russell and Salesi Uhi. Russell was able to get first purchase on the ball at the centre bounces but the big Sal was a dynamo around the ground bringing his team mates into the game.

Craig Leehane, who is in career best form, was sent back to curb the dangerous Cameron Landry and was a catalyst in repelling several Waubra attacks.

Sammy Newton was taken from the field in discomfort and Matt Dillon was sent back to take on the deadly accurate Brown. This proved to be a master stroke by coach Shane Robertson as Brown had very little influence on the match after that.

In the last quarter, Daniel James, Andy McKay and Matthew Peake started to get their hands on the ball and, along with Ross Mann, were able to break the shackles. This enabled the Burras to finally kick away and record a confidence boosting victory.