Terrigal Avoca produced more of the big plays to win Saturday's Black Diamond Cup grand final at No.1 Sportsground.
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McBain Medal recipient Jarrad Flint seemed to constantly pop up when the Panthers needed him most in the defensive line.
Midfielder Michael Roach was everywhere, forward Brandon Thomas scored four of his side's opening six goals and on multiple occasions the Central Coast club earned free kicks from tackling Newcastle City opponents in possession.
Then nearing full-time, having led by 32 points midway through the second quarter but conceding the next five majors, Terrigal Avoca's Josh Polglase kept his cool under pressure and used the strong westerly wind to convert a set shot from just inside 50.
This extended the Panthers' narrow advantage from two to eight and was enough to keep the fast-finishing defending champions at bay.
Terrigal Avoca (8.9-57) eventually defeated City (7.5-47) by 10 in what was a gripping contest for the 2019 title.
"Nerve-racking, exciting, just a cracking grand final," a proud Panthers player-coach Chris Bishop said.
"We had no one on the bench from half-time so it was a good grind. Newcastle were outstanding as well ... but at the end of the day we won the game."
Terrigal Avoca have now triumphed in five of the eight straight deciders they've made, turning the tables on a loss to City 12 months ago.
Four of those successes, including this year, have been minor-major premiership doubles.
"Just to get over the line," Bishop said. "To lose one last year and then back it up. I can't wait to celebrate."
Best on ground Flint said he felt "unbelievable" and "humbled" to both win and collect the individual honour.
"I suppose it was a day when backs really mattered against that wind and having to lock down," Flint said. "I'm really humbled by it and didn't really expect it."
City coach Tim Cotter said it was "hard" losing a tight encounter but was proud of his team's efforts. Jackson Crawford kicked three goals for the Blues and Conor Haswell always looked dangerous.
In the earlier grand finals at No.1 on Saturday, Molly Simpson and Meaghan Macdonald kicked five goals between them in the last term as City (8.6-54) successfully defended their AFL Hunter Central Coast women's title by turning a third-quarter lead of six into a 36-point victory against Maitland.
Jason Roach and Matthew Studdert booted four majors each as Terrigal Avoca (20.13-133) clinched consecutive Black Diamond Plate crowns by making light work of The Entrance Bateau Bay (1.5-11).
TERRIGAL AVOCA 8.9-57 (Brandon Thomas 4, Corey Billins, Josh Polglase, Nathan Belbin, Michael Roach) defeated NEWCASTLE CITY 7.5-47 (Jackson Crawford 3, Josh Taylor, Mitchell Knight, Ethan Durbridge, Conor Haswell).