The Blues surprised Cobden, which finished atop the table, in the grand final at Camperdown’s Leura Oval on Sunday. They stormed to a 12.11 (83) to 6.8 (44) win.

Warrnambool coach Wally Steere, who praised his team of assistants for their help, said he was proud of the Blues’ fight.

“I always stressed to the boys that it doesn’t matter where you finish,” he said.

“I always believed we had a strong side. They are rapt and so they should be – they’re hard to win.

“They will have that framed picture up in the clubrooms forever and a day.”

Blues midfielder Callum Dunn was named best-on-ground, with Steere describing him a catalyst for their strong start.

South Warrnambool capped off an unblemished season in convincing style, claiming the under 14 flag.

The Roosters were too strong for North Warrnambool Eagles, winning 12.9 (81) to 4.2 (26).

South Warrnambool co-coach John Atchison said the Roosters held sway after quarter-time.

“The first quarter was a bit of a struggle, the boys were a little nervous going into a grand final undefeated,” he said.

League best and fairest winner Isaac Thomas was named best-on-ground for his three-goal effort. Defender-turned-forward Xavier Mitchem was also important.

“Xavier has played back line the last 10 weeks and we moved him forward in the second quarter today and he finished with four goals,” he said.

A five-minute purple patch guided Warrnambool to the 16 and under premiership. The Blues overcame a five-goal deficit to defeat cross-town rival North Warrnambool Eagles in a thriller, 28-27.

Warrnambool coach Bree Jenkins said the Blues swung the momentum their way after trailing for most of the match.

“We went bang, bang, bang and ended up winning by a goal,” she said.

“It was a really exciting last five minutes and up until that stage it was a really tight contest.”

Goal shooter Molly Quadroy was named best-on-court for her efforts.

Cobden recorded a come-from-behind win to claim the 14 and under flag.

They wrested the advantage in the final term, notching a  20-17 win. Centre Alisha Kelly was awarded the best-on-court medal.

Cobden coach Janelle Smith said the Bombers’ determination was evident.

“It’s the sort of group that you knew they were never going to give up,” she said.

“And that perseverance held them in good stead in the end.”