NELSON Bay staged a stunning second-half revival to seal victory over defending champions Newcastle City in the women’s Black Diamond AFL grand final at No.1 Sportsground on Saturday.
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City led 16-7 at the first change then 23-8 at half-time but did not score a goal in the second half and were overpowered 5.3 (32) to 3.11 (29) by the Marlins.
Emily Nichols scored two unanswered goals in the third period to move Nelson Bay within seven points of City, who led 27-20 heading into the final quarter.
Nichols scored again early in the fourth quarter to put the Marlins within one point of the defending champions then Jemma Astley converted from 35 metres to put Nelson Bay in front.
City had two chances to regain the lead late in the match but put both attempts wide.
It was sweet redemption for the Marlins, who were beaten grand finalists last year against City.
They travelled unbeaten through this season on their way to the minor premiership.
Coach Lauren Cooper, who did not play this year due to injury, praised the fighting spirit of her side on Saturday.
“We were under the pump early and they were hitting us hard but at half-time I said we weren’t out of it,” Cooper said.
“We watched the lads come back last week in their semi-final with a strong last quarter and that was a positive thing for the girls.
“We picked things up in the third quarter and from there for us it was maintaining the intensity.”
Marlins captain Lisa Steane was named best on ground for the grand final.
Defender and senior player Emma Chester was thought to be a late withdrawal from the match after been hit by a severe stomach bug the night before the match but rallied to play the final three-quarters of the game.