JOHN Saxton was the catalyst for Dimboola's 40-point upset win against Horsham Saints on Saturday that kept their slim finals hopes alive.
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The long-time former president of the club provided the inspiration for the Roos to turn around a nine-point half time deficit.
Saxton was honoured with life membership of Dimboola Football Club yesterday, after being diagnosed with brain tumours in May. He is still undergoing treatment.
"It was the first day all year that we have spoken about John Saxton," Dimboola coach Matt Everett said.
"He had his life member's lunch on, so the weekend was really for him.
"John is obviously going through hell, and he has given and done so much for the club.
"It was great to be able to win the game for Johnny."
Everett said Saxton was unfortunately unable to attend the match because of his health, but he was there in spirit.
He said the performance was one of the Roos' best for the season.
"Other than our second quarter that was probably the closest we have been to playing four quarters of football," he said.
Everett said the tone was set for the Roos' revival in the third quarter when they smashed the Saints in centre clearances nine to none.
Everett was best for the Roos, while Al McKinnon and Karl Lohde both continued their good form.
Dimboola's finals hopes appeared dead weeks ago, but the Saints' form slump has left the door ajar with Saturday's away clash against Nhill holding increased significance.
Everett said the Roos were not getting ahead of themselves, but knew the significance of Saturday's match.
"We touched on finals after the game, but our main focus is this week," he said.
"If we can win against Nhill though, we will be having a fair dinkum crack against Horsham the week after."
The Saints were without six of their regular starting 22 and struggled to match the Roos for four quarters.
Alex McRae was the Saints' best, while Gavin Kelm returned to some form.