The match was the first in AFL Girls Youth Football history to use the ‘golden score rule’, which came into play after scores were tied following a period of extra time.

After a tight contest, which was hampered by extreme weather conditions, scores were tied at full time, with both teams on 3.5 (23).

Huntly led by one point in the dying seconds of normal time, but a point to Marong’s Michaela Perceval as the final siren sounded sent the game into extra time.

With both teams only being able to manage a point each in the two halves of extra time, the golden score rule was applied.

Marong’s Jess Day scored the winning point in extended time for Marong to win 3.7 (25) to 3.6 (24).

It was Marong’s second premiership since the club entered the Bendigo Youth Girls competition, while Huntly’s performance was outstanding in the team’s first season in the Bendigo Youth league.

Goalkickers for Marong were Sarah Weigard, Chloe Pantazis and Katelyn McEwan, while Huntly’s goals were kicked by Grace Campbell, Chelsea Reeves and Shelley Tuohey.

Marong’s Michaela Perceval and Huntly’s Shelley Tuohey were voted best on ground by the grand final umpires.

Marong coach Darren Turnbull said both teams were fantastic in the trying conditions.

“This has shown how strong and passionate these girls are about playing footy,” he said.

Turnbull added that the contest was one of the most extraordinary matches he’d ever seen.

“I’ve never seen a grand final decided by the first team to score, not even in the Bendigo junior leagues,” he said.

“It would have taken another eight or nine minutes for our girls to get that point, so it was a really long match.

“It just really came down to guts and determination and that is what footy is all about.

“It was also one of the best crowds I’ve ever seen at Dower Park. The grandstand was packed.”

Huntly coach Tony White said he was impressed by his team’s resolve in the poor weather.

“The conditions were unbelievable, but it was a credit to the girls to keep pushing like they did.”

Huntly’s Bree Gaylor celebrated her 100th football match in the grand final.