Belconnen's last gasp win

BELCONNEN'S courageous performance led to a perfect farewell for Steve Mahar yesterday when the Magpies won the 2009 AFL Canberra premiership by a single goal.

In a dramatic final quarter the lead changed four times and the score was tied for almost four minutes before a goal by Brock Weston, another retiring Magpie, sealed Belconnen's win, 11.13 (79) to 10.13 (73).

It was Belconnen's fourth premiership and Mahar has played in all four of them. But yesterday was his 248th and final game.

Magpies coach Brendan Read said it had been important to give Mahar a fitting farewell, and what his team had managed to achieve had been amazing.

''After five rounds this year we had a question mark over our heads, for us to ask what we have of our players and for the players to respond ...'' Read said.

''It was just gutsy today, it was without doubt the most courageous Belconnen effort and for us to stand here victorious is a very special thing for this football club.''

Mahar said he hoped it would be the start of a new period of success for the Magpies.

''Belconnen has been in 10 out of the last 12 grand finals and to only win four is not probably a great return,'' he said. ''But hopefully now we can start a new trend and this team can go on with it over the next couple of years.''