Terrigal Avoca were up by 32 points at one stage and eventually won by 10, but late in the piece it came down to two and the Panthers held on to claim their fifth Black Diamond Cup premiership in eight seasons.
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"Predictable, honest and consistent" was the motto shared by Terrigal Avoca player-coach Chris Bishop after edging out rivals Newcastle City in a grand final thriller at No.1 Sportsground on Saturday.
Nearing full-time in the 2019 title showdown, Panthers half-forward Josh Polglase kicked the crucial goal to put the visitors up by eight and keep the fast-finishing defending champions at bay.
Terrigal Avoca (8.9-57) eventually defeated City (7.5-47).
Panthers fullback Jarrad Flint said he was "humbled" to receive the individual honour for best on ground.
Terrigal Avoca led at each break, including 25 at half-time, but City rallied to kick five straight majors between just before the main interval and early in the fourth quarter.
Brandon Thomas booted four of the Panthers' opening six goals, featuring three in the first quarter, while Jackson Crawford landed three all up for the Blues.
Terrigal Avoca now have Black Diamond Cup silverware from 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019.
It was the fourth time they have achieved a minor-major premiership double.
This was the Panthers' eight straight appearance in the top grade decider.
Earlier in AFL Hunter Central Coast grand finals on Saturday, Newcastle City (8.6-54) beat Maitland (3.0-18) in the women's showdown while Terrigal Avoca (20.13-133) easily accounted for The Entrance Bateau Bay (1.5-11) in the men's second division.
