And with Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong pressing strongly heading into the final quarter of last week's preliminary final, it was one of Leeton-Whitton's youngest members who stood up.

Coopa Steele, 18, booted all three of his goals after the Lions had closed to within five points at three quarter time, and could have been in front had they not been wasteful in front of goal.

Steele had only kicked one goal in five previous AFL Riverina Championship games this year, and said he was pleased to contribute when it mattered and book his first start in a senior grand final.

"It was good to get my hands on the footy late, we were all under pressure and the game was on the line. It was nice I was able to contribute, he said.

"We were in a similar position last week too (major semi against Tigers), we were two goals in front and at half-time we spoke about hanging in and playing four quarters of footy.

"Against the we had a lapse in the third quarter (against Tigers, who kept them scoreless) that let us down. We spoke about playing the full game and I think we managed to do that today and were able to come over the top."

Steele is a Crows junior and has spent plenty of time with the Greater Western Sydney Giants Academy this year.

He said the lack of opportunities for teenagers to showcase their ability at a vital time for their career ambitions has been frustrating.

But he said the local feel about the Crows this year, with several other club products returning to play after other leagues were cancelled, has been enjoyable.

"I reckon 95 per cent of the guys in the town are local boys, it's been good to have them all back and playing together again," he said.

"The season's been pretty stop start and there's been some ups and downs, but I'm just happy to be playing footy to be honest.

"Whether it's here, it doesn't matter where it is I'm happy to run around with the boys.

"I'll participate in the Giants Academy again next year and have a good crack at that."

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