IT'S one of the great rivalries in bush footy, and, for now, Federal have come out on top.
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The Swans claimed bragging rights over Corryong and healed the wounds from their loss in last season's decider with an 8.12 (60) to 8.9 (57) grand final win over the Demons.
Tensions ran high at the Corryong Recreation Reserve as scores were level at three-quarter time.
Both sides showed nerves early in the final term, registering a few behinds each, before Corryong's David Low started with the first goal of the fourth quarter.
It was end-to-end stuff as both sides battled the boggy ground, but it was the Swans who were able to generate more forays forward.
The Swans were handed a gift late in the piece when Demons ruckman Thomas Nicholas gave away a crucial 50 metre penalty.
The resulting goal put the Swans in front, but Corryong recovered from the setback well to force the ball into their forward line.
An arm-wrestle ensued in the forward pocket, before a quick snap from the back came just inches short of clearing the last man in defence and sailing through the big sticks.
But, with possession and time on their side, Federal showed poise to run the clock down before the cowbell rang out, handing the Swans their 27th premiership, their first since 2007.
Elated Swans coach Jack Neil said after the game that given the tough conditions of the ground, a big part of the win came down to sheers determination.
“It was a fantastic way to win it, it's great to get the close ones and the effort from the boys was huge,” he said.
“It was the first time we had a full team for the year, so we always knew we were going to be in it.
“It was just a matter of fighting it out for the full four quarters.
“The message at three-quarter time was that we just had to want it more,” he said.
It was a fantastic way to win it, it's great to get the close ones and the effort from the boys was huge.
- Jack Neil
“After that, whatever will be, will be.”
What was ecstasy for the Swans was agony for the Demons.
Coach Evan Nicholas said it would be a long few months before the start of the next season.
“The unfortunate thing is that, given how close it was and the conditions being the way they were, if we had another two minutes we might have hit the front,” he said.
“We had a few blokes retiring after today, it would have been nice to send them off with a win.
“But for the ones that are staying, they say you have to lose one to win one..
“Maybe it'll be our turn next year.”
Corryong's David Low won best on ground.