North Wagga claimed their first minor premiership in 15 years after a strong second half against the Northern Jets at McPherson Oval on Saturday.
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The Saints' 17.20 (122) to 7.7 (49) win kept them in top spot ahead of Marrar on percentage (although the Bombers gave it a shake, with wins of 67 points, 90 points and 132 points in the last three weeks).
It was the first time since 2004 that North Wagga has finished on top of the ladder and ensures next week off.
"It feels really good. We had a goal to finish top three and we would've been happy with that, then a few weeks ago when we were in a position to have it in our control, we set our sights on finishing on top. So we're really pleased," Saints coach Kirk Hamblin said.
"I think everyone will probably benefit from it, bar maybe Jakey May who's missed a bit of footy this year. But we've got four blokes over 30 and a few sore bodies so the week off will be really good for us."
May showed glimpses of his best in a strong performance as North Wagga fought to take full control in the second half.
The hadn't had it all their own way early but also wasted opportunities and early in the third quarter led by only nine behinds.
But they kicked the next eight goals, going from 6.13 to 14.17, for a sixth straight win and their 14th of the season.
"The Jets are a decent team and we knew they'd throw everything at us and definitely matched us for the first quarter," Hamblin said.
"In the first half our pressure was probably down a bit and we might've thought it was just going to happen. But the way the boys responded to get themselves up and secure the win was really pleasing."
Troy Curtis was a constant handful across half-forward. He and Josh Thompson both kicked three goals and were among nine Saints' goalkickers.
Midfielder and co-captain Cayden Winter was superb in the middle, as well as May. As importantly, the Saints came through unscathed in terms of injuries.
In a beaten team, Jets' veteran Chris Bell was outstanding, winning plenty of footy and constantly causing headaches for North Wagga. Andrew Bonny and Brad McKinnon also stood up as did Josh Parmenter who kicked three.
The Jets finished the season seventh, with five wins.
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