The Bulldogs held a narrow quarter-time lead but the Rovers’ four goal to two second stanza saw them take a nine-point buffer at the main break.
Strathmerton then proceeded to completely stifle Deni’s forward entries, mustering the premiership quarter’s only goal to set up a blockbuster finale, four points arrears with co-coach Tim Bramich imploring his side to seize the moment.
“The message from Tim at three-quarter-time was more that the game was being played on our terms,” Crestani said.
“They were struggling to score; even though there were a similar amount of scoring opportunities in that third quarter, it just felt like we were on top.”
Rover forward Hayden Barker’s second goal of the day early in the fourth extended their lead to 10 points, but two vital Matt Shannon majors amid a hail of Bulldogs opportunities saw them claw their way back into the lead.
With Flynn Penberthy and Tom Corso winning the midfield battle, Jono Pearson and Crestani’s put the final icing onthe cake with back-to-back goals, a 10.7 (67) to 8.3 (51) triumph booking a week off and a semi-final match-up against the loser of Katandra and Barooga next week.
“It’s a really positive outcome for our young group,” Crestani said.
“We played Deni four or five weeks ago, and I think they rolled us by about six or seven goals.
“Obviously there was probably a little bit of doubt in the younger boy's mind about whether we'd be able to get the job done.
“Flynn Penberthy and Tom Corso were both really good through the middle, Lewis O'Sullivan down back, Layne Baker also played a bit of a different role with a few intercept marks down back.”
The clash at Rennie a day later bore no resemblance to the Picola league finals opener.
Keith Tallent booted 10 goals as Berrigan outclassed Jerilderie to the tune of 86 points, the lopsided result sending a warning message to the remainder of the competition.
Meanwhile, Katamatite kept its season motoring with a confident win in the A-grade elimination final against Waaia.
Four-goal winners earlier in the year, the Tigers kept the Bombers at arm’s length this time around to notch a 40-28 triumph as Shania van Tilborg (21 goals), Cassia Colbeck (19) and the backcourt duo of Elizabeth Austin and Tess Lawless led Katty into week two.
A second-half surge from Tocumwal will see it also emerge from the elimination stage, defeating Picola United 50-41.
Next week, Waaia and Katamatite go head-to-head at Strathmerton with a direct preliminary final berth on the line, while undefeated Katandra take on league newcomers Barooga at Katunga.
The Kats A-grade side will face Tungamah, while Dookie United is hopeful of toppling Deni Rovers in the second qualifying final.
