They finished locked together on 126, with Mrs Francis claiming outright victory after she picked all eight winners in one round in the second half of the season.

She started the final round two clear of her nearest rivals and three clear of Mr Arendarcikas, who picked seven winners including the Hawks’ upset win against premiership favourite Collingwood.

Mrs Francis will pocket $3000, Mr Arendarcikas will collect $2000 and third place-getter Bob Adams will finish $1000 richer.

The winning total this year was less than the 132 winners Lavington’s Lolita Petts came up with last year.

Mrs Francis said she agonised over her final round selections.

“Every time I’ve sat down and thought about it I’ve gone really bad,” she said.

Mr Arendarcikas said he went for broke in the last round and soared into contention with the success of Port Adelaide, Adelaide and Hawthorn.

“I’m a great believer in you don’t get rich backing favourites,” he said.

The top 350 — pages 26, 27