The Pigeons claimed their seventh premiership in 11 years with a heart-stopping 34-33 victory against the undefeated Panthers.

A tight first quarter saw Yarrawonga jump to a 10-8 lead at the opening change, before an impressive second term put the Panthers on the back foot, trailing 23-15 at half-time.

The Pigeons held firm early in the third quarter, but a late surge from Lavington thanks to the composure of goal shooter Alison Meani got them back within striking distance at 27-23 at the final change.

Yarrawonga’s lead got out to as much as six goals on two occasions in the final quarter, but Meani and Sarah Senini kept Lavington interested right until the end.

Skye Hillier left the court in the dying stages after twisting her knee, watching in pain as her side cut the margin to a single goal. 

Abbey Jones was cool under pressure for the Pigeons with two crucial goals late in the peace to ensure her side was on top at the final whistle.

Pigeons’ coach Bridget Cassar was full of nerves in the dying stages, but couldn’t be more proud of the effort of her players in what she considered a “rebuilding year”.

“Not too many clubs can say they do that, but I’m so proud because we had a lot of our under 16s on our bench today,” Cassar said.

“They’ve all played six to eight games in our A grade and are just as much a part of it as the rest of us.

“There’s been a lot of hard work, but we’ve had the same core group of people throughout.

“If you surround yourself with good people, it creates success.”

Star defender Hannah Symes said this victory was as sweet as it gets.

“Coming in the long way when we hadn’t beaten them this year, there’s nothing better,” Symes said.

“The pressure’s always there, but it was more on them than us.

“I prefer to be on the court than be a spectator because I know how tense it gets.”

A devastated Tamara Mathews couldn’t fault the Panthers’ effort, but admitted Yarrawonga’s pressure was the difference early.

“They certainly stepped it up today, their defensive pressure was really strong and we struggled to work it through our attack the way we have,” the coach said.

“To the girls’ credit, we fought back and we knew we had that in us.

“Probably another minute and it could have gone either way, but, unfortunately it wasn’t our day and we just have to live and learn.

“It was devastating (for Hillier), but I was proud because the girls really fought hard to get over the line for her, it just wasn’t enough.”