Belief. That's what Hannah Wallett's opening goal instilled in the Belconnen Magpies, an awareness they could claim an historic AFL Canberra premiership.
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At first glance, a one-point lead in the sixth minute of a final means next to nothing. But for Bobby Moroney's side it put to bed any seeds of doubt.
After a flying start, Belconnen held off the previously unbeaten Queanbeyan Tigers 6.5 (41) to 5.1 (31) at Gungahlin Enclosed on Saturday night.
It marked the Magpies' maiden title in the women's first grade competition, capping off their 20-year celebrations in a remarkable fashion.
The first chapter of the fairytale ending was written when Belconnen ran through a blue banner that stated: "To achieve something you never have, you need to do something you've never done."
And that's exactly what they did, starting from Wallett's first kick.
"That was something we lived by all year. For the girls to reinforce that and understand while they've had a good game, if we don't live by those words or push ourselves harder than before we'll look back and ask ourselves 'what if'," Moroney said.
"That's not what they wanted. They wanted to prove to everyone that the things we've been working on all through the year and the belief we have in the group, is an honest appraisal of how good we are and how far we've come.
"I think that belief and desire got them over the line. As a coach, seeing the enjoyment on their face and those smiles at the end was amazing. That's something I'll remember forever."
Belconnen kept Queanbeyan scoreless in the first quarter, before the Tigers clawed back and kicked four goals to secure the half-time lead.
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But that's where their charged stalled. Sixteen-year-old Ally Morphett was influential and earned best-on-ground, taking control of the ruck at crucial moments for Belconnen.
"Morphett's game in itself was probably one of the biggest turning points," Moroney said.
"She was able to control the ruck, was dominant all around the ground. Her confidence grew as the game progressed.
"The biggest thing to highlight from Ally is that she's still learning the game. She's 16 years old and still has a lot to develop.
"She's loved every moment she's had coming from Wagga. Her parents drove her down every Thursday night for training and every Saturday for matches, back and forth. She's certainly going to be a name to look out for in the future."
Former Giant Wallett led the scoring with two goals, while Zouch, Maggie Gorham, Tiarne Reid, and Zoe Allen rounded out the goalkickers for the victors.
Queanbeyan's scoring was also shared among five players, including Jessica Stramandinoli, Teena Campbell, Madelyne Czubara, Tarni Evans and Ellen Squire.
For AFLW draftee Emily Pease, there was no better way to launch her footy career than lighting up the AFL Canberra grand final.
"Words can't describe it. We just went out hard and managed to hold on, it was good," Pease said.
"We knew all season they were a beatable side, we just hadn't played four full quarters against them. Having started strong, it set us up - we thought, 'we could do this'.
"It was crazy, it was pretty much goal for goal, the whole game. It was ridiculous. Although it was tight, we managed to pull through. It was so good, especially for the girls who had been trying to get it for a while. They were stoked, it was so exciting."
AT A GLANCE
AFL Canberra women's final: BELCONNEN MAGPIES 6.5 (41) bt QUEANBEYAN TIGERS 5.1 (31).