Champagne and tears were flowing in equal measure as Tuggeranong ended Arawang's hopes of a third-straight ACT State League title with a resounding 47-35 victory in Sunday's grand final at the ACT Netball Centre.
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Neck and neck through the first two quarters, Tuggeranong opened up a gap in the third before the minor premier showed its class to close out the game in style.
Tuggeranong captain Maddie White was elated to lift the trophy after such a long absence.
"It feels amazing that all of our hard work has finally paid off," White said.
"It was probably more of a 15-year plan, so it's about building the culture back up.
"There's been a bit of a lull in participation, but there's a good culture going and everyone wants to perform."
Leading by just one goal at half-time, Tuggeranong sprung a tactical change at the major break, bringing on Vanessa Mullampy at goal shooter to replace Jo Pivac.
The move to allow Tuggeranong to play quicker in attack paid dividends as it opened up an eight-goal advantage midway through the third quarter.
Arawang closed to within three goals early in the last quarter, but Pivac dominated with her size and strength in her second stint as Tuggeranong put the game out of reach.
Tuggeranong coach Nicole Bowles said she wanted to throw something different at Arawang by taking Pivac off.
"It brought a new dimension to our game," Bowles said.
"Tuggeranong is known for having Jo as our pillar at the back and I thought it would put Arawang off a bit with its defensive structure.
"I had a feeling this was going to be our year and thankfully it built to that."
Arawang was trying to become the first team to win three straight division one titles, but had to do it without goal shooter Mardi Aplin, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee at training during the week.
Despite that setback, Arawang led by one goal at quarter-time and was within striking distance trailing 23-22 at half-time.
Arawang captain Tess Pennell said her side was unable to turn around the momentum in the last quarter.
"They got a roll on and we didn't adjust how we should have and we couldn't fight back after that.
"We gave it everything, but it was just too much."
In the lower grade finals, Canberra beat Belconnen in a thriller 45-44 to win division two, while Arawang defeated Belconnen 38-28 in division three.
SUNDAY: ACT State League grand final: Tuggeranong 47 bt Arawang 35 at the ACT Netball Centre.
