SANDY Creek came alive on Saturday afternoon for the Tallangatta and District Football and Netball League grand finals.
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The MCG of the Bush was picture perfect yet again, as Kiewa-Sandy Creek were able to topple last year's premiers Thurgoona.
A swirling breeze and the threat of rain didn't deter footy fans from flocking to the ground, with more than 5000 people packing into the ground to see the Hawks claim a 14.16.100 to 9.8.62 win over the Bulldogs.
Kiewa's Jack di Mizio was best on ground, claiming the Wayne Bartel Memorial AFL Vic Country medal just a year after joining the league after a stellar stint with the Wodonga Raiders in the Ovens and Murray.
Unfortunately for the Kiewa faithful, the A-Grade netball team went down to Tallangatta in their grand final, another instalment in what had been a terrific rivalry between the two teams.
Extra time was required to decide a winner, with the two sides tied at 36 goal each at the end of four quarters.
The win was Tallangatta's third over the Hawks for the season, after claiming one-goal victories in round 11 and the semi-final.
Tallangatta's Emily Rodd was named best on court after the marathon decider, having shot 28 goals from 40 attempts.
Hundreds crowded around the netball court for the thrilling decider, which absolutely lived up to the pre-game hype.
Had the Hawks toppled the Hoppers, it would have been the first time since 2008 that both the senior football and netball teams won premierships in the same season.
An impressive $39,150 was taken at the gate for the day.