Stephens was delighted with the way the Rams controlled the game against Tasmania from the outset, holding their opponents goalless in the first half before recording an impressive 13.6 (84) to 6.11 (47) victory.

But the news wasn’t so good for Vic Country, which failed in its quest to win the division 1 title, going down to Western Australia.

Both matches were played at Etihad Stadium as part of a bumper final day of the championships, with WA winning the division 1 title after accounting for the Vics 16.14 (110) to 9.8 (62).

Dylan McNeil booted four goals in a dominant display for NSW-ACT.

Stephens said the win was a fine reward for the work the squad had put in.

“It was good to see the boys reap the rewards for the eight or nine months of hard work they have put into the program,” he said.

“They looked really good out there, they were physical, they had a lot of run and they made the most of their opportunities.”

Half-forw ard Chaz Sargeant, also a Bushrangers player, was also lively for the Rams.

In yesterday’s other games, the Northern Territory beat Queensland by one point, while South Australia beat Vic Metro by 12 points.

Former Corowa-Rutherglen recruit Charlie McAdam was the star for the NT, collecting 17 touches before kicking the winning goal for his side.