GREEN Gully has cracked the code and seemingly become masters of the great escape.

The Cavaliers again confronted a deficit during the second half of Friday night’s Victorian Premier League (VPL) major semi-final clash against Richmond.

But again they responded with vigour to register a 2-1 victory and advance to the grand final at AAMI Park on 11 September.

After a scoreless opening half, Green Gully fell behind on the hour when Richmond’s Michael Ferrante gave the minor premier the lead at Kevin Bartlett Reserve.

But the Cavaliers showcased their mettle and made their opponent pay on the score-sheet in the process.

It took them just four minutes to level the scores, as Steve Burton successfully found a route to goal and converted.

Then, at the 74-minute mark, Jason Hayne gave his team the lead and even the most ardent Green Gully fan would have been shocked the deficit had been erased so swiftly.

And as they have done so effectively during the better part of the past three months, the Cavaliers held firm and claimed their most important win of the season.

“They were terrific. It was a great response,” Green Gully coach Paul Harris said.

“It was just a very, very tight game and there wasn’t a great deal of chances for either side.

“Funnily enough, after Richmond scored their goal, the game seemed to open up a little bit more, which I think suited us.

“We were slightly in the ascendency when they scored and then Steve Burton equalised within three or four minutes after they scored. The momentum kept with us, really.”

The tireless Brent Fisher starred for the Cavaliers, while Daniel Jones and Burton marshalled the defensive half. Andy Vargas was another to earn the coach’s praise.

What has been evident during Green Gully’s run of form, which has seen them win nine of their past 11 fixtures, has been the systematic nature of its play.

Ian Dobson took on the role of technical director after round 10 and deserves plenty of credit, according to Harris.

“I think Ian has come in and added a great deal of structure. That’s the primary thing and that’s the thing that was missing.”

Harris said the acquisition of the recently-departed Tim Gould, along with Fisher and Hayne, during the transfer window also helped.

“They have just put that extra five or 10 per cent of pressure on the other blokes as well.

“It’s been quite a tumultuous year. There has been an overturn of players as well, which has been outside of the club’s control. Players have come and gone and that’s hurt us.

“Getting to the grand final in itself has been a tremendous achievement for the players and everybody associated with the club. Now that we’ve got there, we’re quietly confident but everything from now is a huge bonus.”

Green Gully, looking for its first VPL title since 2005, will face the winner of Sunday’s preliminary final between Richmond and Hume City in the season-decider.