Maitland Saints gave themselves a huge confidence boost going into the finals by pushing the undefeated Nelson Bay Marlins all the way to go down by 26 points at Max McMahon Oval on Saturday.

The losing margin was the smallest against the all-conquering Marlins for the season and the final score of 10.11 (71) to 7.2 (44) was the first time any team had kept Nelson Bay to 10 goals.

Marlins coach David Ross said the Saints had offered his team their sternest test all season and if they could repeat the form going into the finals they were a real chance of making the grand final.

Saints coach Rob Eddie was not looking beyond Sunday’s elimination semi-final against Newcastle City at Bateau Bay, but admitted the team’s effort would give players confidence going into the match.

“I was thrilled with the boys’ endeavour and to stem their [the Marlins] run in the last quarter and finish off with the last goal was terrific as Nelson Bay steamroll teams once they get a sniff,” Eddie said.

“We haven’t beaten another top-four side yet, but the signs were really encouraging. We really nailed our rotations off the bench, which enabled us to keep running with them at the end.

“Our crumbers have been missing a bit for the past month, but they were at the foot of the packs creating goals and putting pressure on Nelson Bay’s backline all day.”

Maitland led by two points at half-time and were strong against the wind in the third term. However, two late goals gave the Marlins a 19-point lead going into the final term.

The Marlins looked set to launch their trademark running game in the final quarter, but Maitland refused to give in and not only stemmed the Marlins’ run but counter-attacked with runners linking from the backline.

Maitland’s back six was again strong, led by full-back Ben Crowley who showed incredible judgement in the tricky conditions caused by the strong wind.

Wade Beard led the midfield, which made the backline’s job easier with pressure across the field. Beard’s centre square work was inspirational and led directly to two goals to mercurial ­forward Corey Kennedy.

Danny Davey and Aiden Damico provided three goals between them with smart roving in the forward line.

MAITLAND: Goals: A Damico 2, C Kennedy 2, M Haebich , P McMahon, D Davey. Best: B Crowley, M Greaves, W Beard, A Elbourn, J French, A. Damico. NELSON BAY: Goals: L Dews 4, L Price 4, B Leipper , M Hardes. Best: J Erickson, L Dews, D. Stuart, D Puleston, L Price, A Clayden.