At the start of the season, and even at the start of the finals series, no-one really gave Waratahs much of a chance of winning the Tamworth women's first grade premiership.
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But it will be their name that sits on the trophy under 2019 after producing another tenacious and gritty performance to extinguish Flames 3-2 in Sunday's grand final.
It has been a common theme throughout the season but particularly during the finals.
After prevailing in extra-time against defending champions South United in the first week of the finals, they then rolled minor premiers Services 1-nil.
"It's just a monumental effort," a very proud coach Matt Wilson said.
"All year they've put in, put in, put in. We've had lots of draws, and been lucky to stay in games."
He again praised their desire and never give up attitude. The final couple of minutes summed that up with Flames in their circle pressing hard for an equaliser.
But somehow Waratahs were able to keep them out.
"The effort on the line there, that desire, that's what wins hockey games. When it is absolutely on the line, you put your body, everything on the line to win games," Wilson said.
"When you do that as a team you're going to come away with results that maybe you shouldn't."
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Julie Rodda put Flames ahead after about five minutes but two goals in the space of two minutes to Waratahs turned the game in their favour.
In what has been something of a familiar sight in recent weeks, Anita Collins weaved through the defence and then finished strongly to square up the game with just under eight minutes to play in the first half.
After some good hustling to win the ball, Abi Schimann then put Waratahs in front.
Tegan Smith struck inside the first couple of minutes of the second half to level the scores again but Waratahs hit straight back though Schimann.
It was then a real arm wrestle from there with Waratahs doggedly defending their lead.
The two deciders couldn't have been more contrasting with Workies putting on a master class to demolish South United 6-1 and claim back-to-back titles.
After losing their last three games of the regular season, Workies found their groove in the finals and were simply too good for Souths.
It was a clinical and dominant performance from the premiers at both ends of the field, but particularly defensively with Souths' lone goal coming with just over two minutes on the clock.
Butch Southwell Medal winner Lachie Butler opened the scoring in the 13th minute after they had diffused a Souths' corner. The floodgates opened from there, Ehren Hazell, Toby Climpson and Blake Abra all finding the net as they jumped out to a 4-nil lead at half-time.
It was a clinical and dominant performance from the premiers at both ends of the field, their defence, as was the case last year, again proving the cornerstone.
Butch Southwell Medal winner Lachie Butler opened the scoring in the 13th minute after they had diffused a Souths' corner. The floodgates opened from there, Ehren Hazell, Toby Climpson and Blake Abra all finding the net as they jumped out to a 4-nil lead at half-time and all but snuffed out Souths' hopes.
Coach Andrew Farmilo felt like they were in control for a lot of the game.
"Once we got those two early goals it felt comfortable and getting that fourth one right on half-time that was key," he said.
