A goal from Wodonga's Rhys Venturoni in the dying stages of the final quarter proved the difference in the Albury-Wodonga Junior Football league's under-16 grand final on Sunday.
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A last quarter fight back from Wodonga helped them piece together a two-point victory against Albury and reward their undefeated season with a premiership on home turf at Martin Park.
The Tigers were up by 13-points at half time and were able to extend their lead to 20-points heading into the final term.
Albury looked to be on their way to causing a major upset before momentum started to swing in favour of the Bulldogs in a thrilling finish.
Wodonga coach Paul Wilson said he was amazed by the drive and determination his young side showed.
"I'm so proud of all of them," Wilson said.
"There was a bit of extra pressure on us seeing as we hadn't lost a game all year and then halfway through the third quarter it looked like it could have happened.
"We had two set shots and missed with five minutes to go but we kept on winning the ball and pushing forward.
"We had to make a few changes at three quarter time and take a chance and it paid off.
"Albury were unreal.
"At the end of the day, the game could have gone either way."
Wodonga's Callum Wilson stood up in the last quarter in the back flank, while Fin North was rewarded with the AWJFL medal for his outstanding efforts in the premiership decider.
"That was one of the best games I've seen him (North) play, he was amazing," Wilson said.
"When it mattered most we had a few kids really stand up in the last quarter."
Albury's Pacey Maher played a terrific game for the Tigers and was awarded the AFL Vic Country medal at the end of the game.
Venturoni booted three goals for the Bulldogs while Ollie Clifford, Jett Cassidy, Mitch Damm and Aaron Reichman all snuck in grand final goals.
Ethan Richie and Dylan Beard also had solid games for the victors.
Harry Cameron kicked three goals for Albury, while Max Byrne, Max Diffey, Jake Cooper and Noah Graham also landed a goal each in a strong display.
Tigers' coach Cameron Walker admitted the final stages made for tense viewing.
"It's out of your control at that point," Walker said.
"It's footy, it can pull you back to reality pretty quickly.
"The guys have improved out of sight this season.
"If you had of said at the start of the year that we would lose the grand final by two points, would we take it, I don't know.
"It's good for these guys development as footballers and as young men."