The Eagles defeated Portland 29-18 in the decider at Reid Oval on Saturday to finish a memorable season as premiers and champions.

Smedts said she was “so proud” of the players, admitting emotions got the better of her post-match when she realised what the group had achieved.

“I really felt they were the best team in the competition all year but like I said yesterday, they have to bring it out on the one day and fortunately for them they did,” she said.

“I felt like they started a bit timid, a bit nervous, a bit worried, but they worked their way into it. Then when some dropped, some lifted.”

The Eagles led by a goal at quarter-time but surged clear with a 10-5 second term to have a 15-9 advantage at the halfway mark. An 8-2 third quarter then put them on the verge of the premiership with 10 minutes to play. The Tigers won the last term but couldn’t make serious inroads.

North goal defence Maggie Kellett earned the best-on-court medal. Megan Hamilton (15 goals) and Amelia Chow (14 goals) shared the shooting duties. Portland goal attack Taylah Nelson shot 15 goals for the Tigers and was a constant presence throughout.

Smedts said being premiers and champions was “a bit of cream on top”.

“When we got messy, I felt like one player would always take control. A lot of times it was Zoe (Bussell) or Maggie (Kellett),” she said.

“I felt they knew this is way too congested. ‘I’ll put it over there’ or they’ve slowed it down and said ‘settle’.”