The Cougars have managed to gain a week off with a crunching semi-final win against Penola on Saturday. 

This will be the first time the Cougars have featured in a senior colts grand final in almost two decades and gives them a chance of bringing silverware to the club for the first time since 1987.  

They defeated the Eagles 11.10 (76) to 6.3 (39) in the semi-final. 

Corey Williams was named best on field for the Cougars and Kayne Councillor scored three important goals in the historic victory.

Kaniva-Leeor United has not won a premiership since parent clubs Kaniva and Leeor merged 30 years ago. 

The Cougars senior colts coach Jason Gordon said it was a great effort by his team and he was proud of how they were travelling. 

“I am trying to keep everything as normal as possible. I have a casual group who take things in their stride,” he said. 

Gordon said this was the real first era of young footballers coming through the club’s ranks. 

“This is a group of footballers we can really put the Cougar stamp on,” he said. 

“The A Grade coach, Nick Murphy, has also been instrumental in developing those top-age boys. 

“He has been challenging the lads without burning them out.” 

The current squad has eight first-year players and Gordon said their performances were what got the team over the line. 

“There has been a lot of talk of our top six players and there is no doubt they are elite,” he said. 

“(Assistant coach) Josh Jarred has also been instrumental in the boys’ development. 

“As a president, I am proud of the boys – the amount of support we have is incredible. Everyone is wishing us all the best.” 

The grand final is at Frances on September 16 at 10.35am.

Gordon said his club had retained all but one top-age player for the 2018 season. 

“Player retention is a high priority of the current committee. It can only benefit the club,” he said.