Chasing their first junior premiership since 1973, the Blues were within touching distance of the flag when after kicking the first three goals of the final quarter they led by four points inside the last minute.

However, the Blues were thwarted when James marked and converted his set-shot in what was the final score of the match as the Eagles won 7.12 (54) to 7.10 (52).

James’ match-winning goal was his fourth.

YCW’s Luke Gray (two goals) won the AFL Victoria Country Medal as the best player on the ground, while Harrison Hartley and Lachlan Martini were also among the standouts for the Eagles.

Kyle Hawken, Rowan Douglas and Jayden Beqir (two goals) were Inglewood’s best.

Meanwhile, Bridgewater has gone back-to-back in the reserves with a one-sided 75-point win over Newbridge.

Coached by Andrew Duguid, the Mean Machine kept the Maroons goalless in the first half on the way to a 14.16 (100) to 4.1 (25) victory.

Bridgewater’s Kyle Chant won the best on ground medal, while Oscar McKinley bagged four goals.

Tom Wilson was the best for the outclassed Maroons.