While the end result was identical to 12 months ago, that's where the similarities stopped as a gallant Wests launched a gutsy second-half fightback only to fall short in controversial circumstances at Viking Park.

Vikings flyhalf Zack Holmes ensured the John I Dent Cup would remain with Tuggeranong for another year, crossing for the match-winning try in the 74th minute in the 29-17 victory.

Holmes charged through a gaping hole in the defence after a wrap-around play to the astonishment of Wests captain Aaron McInnes, who was furious it wasn't overturned by officials.

''It wasn't a hint, it was an obstruction,'' McInnes said.

''It will come up clear as day on the video.

''We didn't get the calls on the day and touch judges should use their microphones.''

Whether the right decision was made will be the source of heated debate during the summer.

The quality of the grand final itself was undisputed.

It was tough, brutal and competitive, a far cry from last year's 44-18 mauling the Vikings handed yesterday's opponents.

Of the five titles he's won with the Vikings, veteran scrumhalf Beau Mokotupu rated it as among the most physically draining of his career.

''It was probably one of the hardest games in a grand final I've played,'' the Vikings captain said. ''This is one of the sweetest because we worked so hard for it.''

Vikings flanker James Turner was named man of the match for a superb performance, including a crucial try-saving tackle that coach Dan McKellar believed won his team the title. ''Grand finals should be hard to win and that was bloody hard,'' McKellar said.

''Our defence was excellent.

''James Turner's tackle on the try-line in particular, that probably won us the premiership. Then Zack was good enough to finish it off.''

It seemed anything but a challenge for the Vikings early on as they piled on three unanswered tries in the first half to lead 19-3 at the break.

Wests returned to the field re-energised, damaging No.8 Peter Kimlin then flanker Chad Joseph scoring in quick succession to close the gap to two points.

That's how it stayed until Holmes slotted a 40-metre penalty goal with 15 minutes on the clock.

He admitted there was a sense of relief at seeing the ball sail over the posts, after he had missed a couple of crucial penalty goals for the Brumbies, which would have seen them qualify for the Super Rugby finals.

''It's nice getting that one after missing a couple during the year which hurt us at the back-end,'' Holmes said.

''It's always in the back of your mind what could have been, but you just have to move on.''

Holmes was one of five Brumbies players in the grand final, the first season they have been allocated to clubs in the ACT. ''I've been really impressed by the standard,'' he said.

''Playing in Sydney you get told this [competition] is not that strong, but I don't see it as too much different.

''People thinking it's a bit weak aren't making a true statement.''

Wests shared the reserve grade title with Queanbeyan after the grand final ended in a 22-all draw.