The George held out a last-quarter charge to claim the 2017 premiership with a 36-34 win after leading by six goals at the final break.

They led by as many as eight goals in the frantic final term, but in typical style Hills refused to concede and continued to push to bridge the gap until the final siren.

While their was disappointment at losing, the bubbly flowed among Hills and George players in equal measure.

“Unfortunately, there has to be a loser, but what a fantastic game,” Hills player Mel Morris said. “You always want to win, but we will be having a good time tonight knowing we gave it our all.”

The George skipper Amonie Lindsell said it was another great grand final between the two teams and paid tribute to both teams on a great contest.

“It’s nice that this time we came away with the two goal margin in our favour, unlike last year,” she said.

“We always expected a tight contest against Hills, they are a terrific team and the last two grand finals against them were equally close.

“Every play was contested fiercely from the start to the end.

“The scores were level at half-time and we managed to get a break of six goals in the third term which thankfully we were able to hold on to.

“The third term was crucial and our midcourt and defence worked extremely hard to force turn overs. Our shooters were able to convert those opportunities.”

Lindsell said Karlee Grayson was a worthy winner of the best player in the grand final.

“She is so consistent, very level headed a great decision maker on court,” she said.

“All three of our shooting end players Karlee, Alyce Ham and Genevieve Lantry had great games and great seasons.

“Our defensive effort was great and Kellyann Grayson, Laura Nolan and Amy Williams were able to force crucial turnovers against the very talented Hills shooters.

“We were able to share the load across the midcourt with myself, Ashlee Edwards, Cindy Libury and Olivia Parrey playing through there.

“Fortunately we were able to give Cindy a rest and she came of in the final term and was able to energise us as Hills were pressing really hard.”

Morris agreed that the third term had proved decisive, but she was extremely proud of her teammates for regrouping and continuing to push for victory.”

“We’re going to celebrate another great year and giving it our all in the grand final against a great opponent,” she said.

“We just love playing together and we’re going to celebrate that and the end of another year of friendship.”