And the Bulls did exactly that under perfect conditions at Camperdown Lakes Recreation Reserve, ending the Cats' barnstorming run that saw them take home six of the last seven flags.

Mortlake has had Pomborneit's measure in recent times, winning the two sides' round seven fixture this season, while also defeating the Bulls in the 2012 and 2013 deciders. 

But Pomborneit turned the tables on the reigning premier, in a bizarre twist achieving almost exactly the same result as its last premiership 10 years ago.

On March 21, 2009, the Bulls lost the toss and were forced to take the ball before recording a four-wicket victory Mortlake. 

And on Saturday, with former Australian cricket coach Darren Lehmann behind them, the Bulls were again made to bowl first, with man-of-the-match winner Clinton Place's devastating spell of 5-35 setting up a five-wicket triumph.

Early wickets to Place and Brad Hillman had the Cats on the hop, before Tyler Schafer (36) and Isaac Wareham (34) steadied the ship. 

But Pomborneit's attack showed no mercy and would soon have Mortlake on its knees at 7-117 and eventually bowled out for 157 in the 49^th over. 

Mortlake picked up a crucial early scalp when Clinton Baker had Tim Place caught and bowled for just two, but couldn't continue to apply enough pressure to rattle Pomborneit, whose wicket-keeper and captain put on a 56-run partnership after the first drop. 

And while Tom Place (14) was run out after a mix-up, the Bulls' Sri Lankan imports Lahiru Fernando (36) and Tharaka Sendanayake (21 not out) confidently marched the side to victory in the 39^th over.

Grant Place, who said he "kept things normal" by getting up at 4.50am on Saturday morning to milk his cows before settling into grand final mode, was rapt his side got reward for a consistent season. 

The Pomborneit captain also paid tribute to Mortlake after the game, highlighting the side's incredible record, which saw it win flags in 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

"They've been the powerhouse for the last 10 years, so it's good to get one back on them," Place told The Standard.

Clinton Place, who played his first season back at Pomborneit after a six-year stint in Geelong, said restricting Mortlake's scoring power was the key to victory.

"We just kept it simple, bowled tight lines, and built pressure at both ends," he said. 

The bowler said it was a pleasure to play cricket at Camperdown. 

"Steve Wright has been the curator for a long time and every time you come here, you get great value for shots," Place said.

"The pitch offers a little for bowlers early but is also a great batting deck."

Clinton Place said the premiership, his third with Pomborneit, was made even sweeter by the fact he got to play alongside both his brother, Grant Place, and first cousins, Tim Place, Brad Hillman, and Tom Place.