THE race for the Hampden league's two biggest honours - the senior and A grade flags - is wide open after a dramatic climax to the home and away season.
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A barnstorming North Warrnambool Eagles' comeback against Warrnambool ensured it edged out Port Fairy for the coveted third spot on a football ladder full of intrigue.
Koroit's enviable netball finals streak came to an end, following a loss to Camperdown, whose dreams of a maiden premiership received a boost after it snared the double chance.
The Saints' hopes of sneaking into the five despite their round 18 hiccup were dashed when South Warrnambool knocked off the previously-unbeaten Hamilton Kangaroos to seal its finals berth.
Port Fairy coach Brett Evans said the Seagulls were thrilled to end a 10-year finals hiatus.
The first-year Seagulls mentor arrived at Gardens Oval having coached Warrnambool and District league club South Rovers to the 2007 flag.
Evans said he was excited to guide another club to a September campaign, particularly one which has experienced its share of dark times.
“The supporters are really up and about. It is a good feeling,” he said.
“We are getting plenty to the ground during the week and I’d imagine it will be hard to get a car park on Tuesday night at training.
“They’ve had a long time down, so I think they build a great atmosphere for us.”
Camperdown coach Leah Sinnott said the Magpies were thrilled to snare third on one of the most congested A grade ladders in recent seasons.
They entered the final round one of four sides vying for four finals spots.
“It is awesome. It is that tight that having a double shot gives you a bit of breathing space,” she said.
Hamilton Kangaroos coach Sara Byrne said her ladder-topping side was wary of its finals combatants, labelling their loss “a wake up call”.
Byrne said the evenness across all netball competitions was positive.
