SOUTH Bendigo has given veterans Emma Tomlins and Mel Dillon the perfect farewell with an emotional win in Saturdays BFNL B-reserve grand final.
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The Bloods were made to draw on every ounce of effort and persistence after Strathfieldsaye forced the game into extra-time with a stunning 12-8 final quarter to tie the scores at 39 apiece.
But with sure-handed goal shooter Taylor Millard providing a reliable target, South Bendigo was able to regain its composure in overtime to win and entertaining contest 48-43.
The premiership was the Bloods second in three seasons in the B-reserve grade. They defeated Golden Square 41-38 in 2016.
It was a sensational swansong for Dillon, who announced on grand final eve the game would be her last in the BFNL, and her great friend Tomlins, the teams captain.
Tomlins, who this season became the first South Bendigo to reach 250 BFNL games, vowed during the season to retire if she won her first premiership with the Bloods.
On Saturday, she was true to her word.
Thats the way to finish, I told the girls at the start, if we win Im out, so if you want me out heres your chance, the happy-go-lucky Bloods stalwart said.
Im rapt to finally get a grand final win after all these years.
To finally bring it home is amazing. The girls have done it before in B-res, but I havent been able to - its great to get my hands on the cup.
Tomlins was playing in her fourth grand final.
She said her attention would next year switch to Auskick, but was sure her long-time involvement with South Bendigo netball would continue off the court.
Im sure theyll suck me in as secretary again and my brother will play footy again, she said.
Tomlins gave credit to Strathfieldsaye for a brave finals performance.
They were hard work, but we expected that as they came into the game on-fire, she said.
The Storm came from fourth place and played every week in the finals we were fortunate to have a couple of weeks off.
It was good to come away with the win.
Dillon described her BFNL career and departure as 20 years in the making.
Im not saying I will walk away from netball altogether, Ill still be involved at South coaching and whatever else the committee throw my way, but its a great way to finish, she said.
Im so proud of everyone and so proud to end it with Em.
This club is just amazing.
Dillon, who served as the clubs netball operations manager again this year, saw great irony in the fact her farewell was extended into extra-time.
They wouldnt go away and I was like, bloody hell, Im going to have to run another 14 minutes in centre, she said.
But we kept our composure, knew what our roles were and all pulled together.
We really capitalised in the end on our defensive pressure and intercepts and our goalers (Millard and Megan Lawson) really stood up.
The premiership was Dillons fourth in the BFNL, with the first two coming at her former club Kangaroo Flat.
Ava Hamilton, who spent the last half at goal shooter for Strathfieldsaye and scored 19 goals in that period, was adjudged best on court.