Some 22 years after its sole grand final appearance in 1996, the Magpies showed their class in the decider with an impressive 46-35 victory against Albury at Norm Minns Oval on Sunday.

Scores were locked at 10-apiece at the first break, before Wangaratta seized a six-goal lead at the half.

The real damage was done in the third term as the Magpies restricted the Tigers to just six goals and added a further 13 to lead by that many at the last change.

Albury had its best quarter to finish, but simply had too much left to do.

Amanda Umanski led the way in attack with 42 of Wangaratta’s 46 goals.

It was a 10^th A grade premiership for Wangaratta coach Kellie Keen and she was delighted to lead the club to its first.

“I’ve been here two years and we got through to finals last year and I knew we weren’t far away,” Keen said.

“Everyone is on board and wanting to work for each other.

“It’s fantastic for the club, not only for A grade, but B grade (also premiers) and obviously the development of the girls coming through from the 16s.

“Coaching and playing is completely different to just playing, so I’m not only working on my game, but I have to make sure all the girls are there as well.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better group, I’m so lucky.”

Magpies’ captain Katie Dean said the group had the belief they were capable of producing something special this season.

“This is my eighth year at ‘Maggies’ and the first year we’ve won a final, so to win and go through is just sensational,” Dean said.

“There’s a lot of girls that have played 100-plus games and to see them stick around is a testament to the club and the atmosphere we’ve got going here.

“Having Lou Byrne as our (club) coach since I’ve been here has been great, she’s really brought those juniors through and we’ve seen them come up through C grade, B grade, A grade.

“Kellie (Keen) played a really smart role, Leah (Jenvey) was competitive the whole game, she contested everything and Hannah (Grady) just didn’t give up with lots of intercepts and tips.”

Despite the result, Albury coach Olivia Aughton was incredibly proud of how far her side came this season.

“Ultimately, we weren’t even meant to make finals and the way the girls dug deep, they really did try to bring their all today and brought the right attitude,” Aughton said.

“They’ve got a very polished attacking end, they’re very quick through their centre court and we weren’t able to slow them down defensively through that centre channel.”

​MORE 2018 GRAND FINAL COVERAGE