The Blues over-ran the Saints in the last term to win 8.6-54 to 3.018 winners, but the final score did not reflect just how close the game was for all but the last 10 minutes.

Maitland were just six points behind going into the final term and pressing hard in attack for the opening minutes of play.

Two goals from Molly Simpson took the margin out to 18 points, but Maitland were still in the hunt.

However, two goals in 90 seconds by Meaghan Macdonald finished the Saints resistance and Simpson kicked a third in the quarter and her fourth for the day to blow out the winning margin.

Maitland should be proud of their efforts and gave the dominant City a huge shock on the way to collecting their third title in a row.

The Blues have now won four of the five women's premierships contested since the competition was established in 2015.

Saints coach Chris Pedler said he was extremely proud of his team and believed they can go one better next year after the experience on the biggest stage.

"It's tough to make them, but tougher to win them," Pedler said of the Saints women's first grand final experience.

"City deserve it, they were the better side. The girls tried their guts out, you can't ask more than that.

"I'm very proud, proud of their year and hopefully it stings them to go that bit further next year."

Pedler said he had no regrets about kicking with the strong wind in the first quarter.

"It's a risk you take, do you take advantage of it and hopefully get the three or four goals before the game settles.

"It is what it is. I don't think the scoreline in the end reflected the closeness of the game.

"They had a bit of luck and we didn't and you've got to have a bit of luck to win them.

"They say you've got to lose one to win one, so we'll be back."

MAITLAND: Goal kickers: Jessie Burnham 2, Leawanna O'Donoghue 1. Best Players: Skyla Dunn, Nikki Robson, Amanda Smith, Sarah Burns, Emily Crouch