In the end, Joel Croker's penalty goal attempt was judged to have missed, which left Crookwell fans cheering and Taralga supporters dejected.

It was a fittingly close end to what had been a back-and-forth game, which saw both teams trade the lead a number of times amid a flurry of penalties as the Dogs emerged victorious 12-14.

It was the second time in two years that Taralga and Crookwell have met in the semi-final.

While in 2018, the Tigers won 20-18, this year Crookwell will progress through to the grand final while Taralga will play the Jindabyne Bushpigs in next weekend's preliminary final.

Following the match, Tigers coach Evan Rees was pragmatic as always.

"We've just got to be humble in defeat and keep working," Rees said.

"That's all you can do. Finals footy's like that, it's always unpredictable."

The game was described by Rees as an "arm wrestle", and the first half in particular saw both sides battle for the ascendancy. Courtesy of two late penalty goals, the Tigers led at the break, 9-6.

However, Crookwell's Riley Martin crossed over the line early in the second half to give the Dogs a 9-11 lead which they did not relinquish.

While Rees acknowledged that the Tigers went into their round 17 loss with a poor mindset, he said that they were simply outplayed by Crookwell.

"Nothing's changed, we didn't turn up with the right attitude last week [against Jindabyne]," he said.

"Today, we were up for the game. They finished second for a reason ... and there were two points in it at the end."

The focus between now and next Saturday for Taralga will be addressing some of the injuries which have accumulated in the latter end of the season, including two from the semi-final.

Against Crookwell, Ben Thomas ran to the side of the field to fix a dislocated finger, while Steve Anable was taken off in the second half with a knee injury but was walking by match's end.

"[Injuries] have been [an issue], but it's the same with every team," Rees said. "We've just got to work on those injuries and make sure we're ready to go for next week."

In a show of good sportsmanship, Rees congratulated the Dogs on a match well played, and said that he hopes to see them in the grand final in a fortnight.

However, the Tigers still have to overcome Jindabyne yet. The preliminary final will take place on August 17 from 2.30pm at the Taralga Sports Fields.

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