EAST Wagga-Kooringal has set up an epic semi final clash with reigning Farrer League champion Temora by brushing past flag contender Coleambally for the second time in eight days.

It was almost Groundhog Day at Langtry Oval on Saturday as the Hawks managed to roll the Blues by 35 points in a gritty and physical qualifying final.

Both teams wanted to make their mark on the game early on and the opening quarter was peppered by a number of spotfires around the ground.

Once the players settled into it, Coleambally kicked four of the first five goals and held a two-goal advantage at quarter time.

EWK was left a man down when tough utility Michael O'Dea sustained a knee injury in the opening term and couldn't play any further part in the game.

The Hawks came out firing in the second quarter and booted five goals to sneak in front by the main break.

The chips were stacked against Coleambally and the Blues suffered a major blow when ruckman-forward Dean Pound left the ground with a hamstring injury towards the end of the third quarter.

Moments into the last quarter Coleambally key defender Fred Stephan copped a good bump from Stu Brierty and had to be escorted off the ground.

Two of the Blues' best players were forced to take an early shower.

With a two-man bench and five goals down the Blues couldn't claw back the margin, as EWK won the game 12.10 (82) to 7.5 (47).

It was a repeat of last week, when Coleambally started the game hot before the Hawks ran away to win by 57 points.

EWK coach Gavin McMahon was rapt with the performance but was careful not to write the Blues off as a title threat.

"I don't think you have anyone's measure in finals footy," McMahon said.

"I don't think we've got anyone's measure but we're pretty happy that we can grind it out.

"Two good sides going hard at it, I thought it was a great game of footy.

"We've been focusing on grinding and persisting, sticking to task and those kind of things.

"We're not the prettiest side going around and we don't try to be.

"We do what's required, everyone plays their role and it comes together."

EWK's defensive group was outstanding, led by Mark Parr, Trent Garner, Guy McAlister and Brenton Roberts.

Speedy midfielder Brierty racked up the possessions and was close to best on ground, while full forward Marc Geppert enjoyed another big game and finished with nine goals.

Defender-midfielder Ben Absolum enjoyed a big first half but had to deal with some close attention from Clinton Green for the rest of the game and was relatively quiet.

The only downside for the Hawks was the knee injury to O'Dea.

McMahon admitted early reports weren't looking good.

"I think that one might be a bit dodgy but we'll have to see," McMahon said.

"He's had a bit of trouble with that knee on and off."

EWK will now prepare for Saturday's second semi final clash with Temora at Maher Oval.