THE Hampden league will have a new A grade premier after Camperdown ended Koroit’s enviable finals streak at 15.
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The Magpies booked a double chance with a hard fought 52-49 win at Victoria Park on Saturday, eliminating the Saints from the flag race in the process.
The Saints have featured in the finals campaign since 2000 – a run which included 11 grand final appearances for eight flags.
But their imposing run came to a halt as they finished sixth on one of the tightest ladders in recent seasons.
Camperdown coach Leah Sinnott was ecstatic with the Pies’ effort.
“It is awesome,” she said.
“It is so tight that having that double shot just gives you a bit of breathing space.
“Looking at who finished fourth and fifth, you can’t call it (who will win the premiership).”
Sinnott said Camperdown – searching for a maiden A grade title – made a blistering start against Koroit.
They raced to a 20-8 quarter-time lead, forcing the Saints to play catch-up.
Koroit made its run in the final term, trimming a 12-goal three-quarter-time deficit to three.
“It dwindled very quickly,” Sinnott said of the final change lead.
“Within the space of two minutes they crept six goals back.
“Then it ebbed and flowed a little bit.
“We had a lot of tired legs in the fourth quarter and probably weren’t meeting the ball and making the best decisions.”
Koroit co-coach Emily Batt said the Saints were disappointed but proud of their overall finals record.
“It is a weird feeling,” she said of finishing outside the top five.
“It’s the first time Jacqui Bowman and myself have not been involved in finals.
“It’s a bit shattering. Our A1 and A2 girls are still in and have a good chance so we’ll support them.”
Batt conceded the Saints’ poor start proved costly.
But she was rapt with their fight back.
“We had chances to win it because we created plenty of turnovers but we didn’t convert,” Batt said.
“I am super proud of the comeback.
“The competition is so even this year and unfortunately we were the unlucky team that didn’t make it.”
Koroit is searching for a goal scoring option with league best and fairest fancy Teagan Lang relocating to Adelaide.
Meanwhile, North Warrnambool Eagles cemented second spot with a 46-27 win against lowly Warrnambool at Bushfield Recreation Reserve.
Portland finished its season strongly, accounting for wooden spooner Cobden, 52-41. Teenager Tayla Falconer sunk 35 goals.