12 years later, Weston Bears are finally back in the big dance and they could snap another drought

Weston Bears are heading to their first NPL NNSW Grand Final in 12 years after stunning Premiers Broadmeadow Magic with an extraordinary extra-time performance at Magic Park.

Locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, Weston exploded into life when it mattered most: Youngster Nelson King broke the deadlock in the 99th minute before Chris Hatfield doubled the advantage late in extra time.

Then came the exclamation mark.

Ryan Ensor had barely been on the pitch a minute when he spotted Magic goalkeeper Daniel Axford out of position and launched an audacious strike from halfway to complete a remarkable 3-0 victory.

It sends Weston directly into the decider and gives the Bears an opportunity to claim their first Championship in 31 years.

“The club's on a high, not just because of the team; it's been a whole squad effort. It's been really empowering,” head coach Damian Zane said via northernnswfootball.com.au.

“It's just belief. We've been really solid defensively in the latter part of the season, and there's just desperation. There's a willingness to work for the player beside you.

“I've got full faith if we get the plan right [for the grand final], they're going to execute it.

“We'd love to win a trophy. It's been a while at the club, and it's always good for a team to taste success when they haven't had it for a little while.

“On that day, it's how you turn up. We've turned up for big games this year, so I'm quietly confident that whoever we play, we’ll be up for it.”

For Broadmeadow, the season is not over. They will host Maitland in the preliminary final after the Magpies survived an extraordinary onslaught from Edgeworth to win their minor semi-final 2-1.

Edgeworth registered 29 attempts and 16 corners, but Maitland found a way.

Braedyn Crowley opened the scoring before Flynn Goodman eventually levelled for the Eagles in the 65th minute.

With extra time looming, Daniel McFarlane struck in the 87th minute to send Maitland through and bring Edgeworth’s season to a heart-breaking end.

It sets up a huge preliminary final at Magic Park: Broadmeadow Magic v Maitland, with the winner earning the right to face Weston for the Championship.