The reigning premier brushed aside Heyfield during a five-minute period late in the final term during which it piled on four consecutive goals to seal an 18-point second semi-final victory at Tyers.

The Cougars turned a 19-point quarter-time deficit into an 11-point lead at half time after kicking five goals in the second term to the Kangaroos' two behinds.

Heyfield regained the lead during the second half, but Churchill came home strongly in the final term to win 12.8 (80) to 8.14 (62).

Churchill forward Nick Campbell kicked three goals, while defender Matt McNamara was best afield.

Heyfield burst out of the blocks in the heavy conditions as coach Stuart Anderson kicked the opening goal.

A Kangaroo surge through the centre was finished off with a goal from Brett Szabo as the conditions began to make goal-scoring difficult.

A chip kick by Scott Kelly, found the loose Joe Whykes who slotted through the Cougars' first major.

Anderson set sail at goal to counteract Churchill's challenge as the Kangaroos kicked away to a three-goal lead at the first change.

Churchill's backline of Nathan Richer, Dale Paterson and McNamara worked hard to set up a goal from Kelly, before a strong contested pack mark by Jason Sutherland had the Cougars' third goal on the trot.

Greig Williams' goal brought the Cougars to within a point before strong tackling by the Churchill midfield set up Campbell for his second.

A goal on the half-time siren by Kelly put the Cougars 11 points in front at the long change.

Heyfield came out firing in the third term as

Anderson opened the account in a lively second half.

Lyell Berry goaled from hard up in the pocket to regain the lead for Heyfield before Campbell levelled the scores.

Heyfield registered its seventh goal as a bit of spite arose between the two sides.

A 50 metre penalty helped Campbell kick his third goal to again level the scores.