The Bears clawed, but the Magpies soared just high enough to reign as Goulburn Valley League B-grade premier in 2026.
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Early signs suggested it could be a bloodbath for Bears, as Euroa stormed out in a high octane opening period to a pressure-filled two-nil lead.
But that sentiment was short-lived, in what turned to an arm wrestle for four full quarters.
There were swings of scoring exchanges in the opening term, but it would be Euroa in front at the first break, 11-9.
The Magpies continued that charge, taking the lead out to as high as five goals, but Shepparton’s spirit found another gear again to wrestle back the advantage.
In a jaw-dropping 9-2 run, the Bears’ energy was unmatchable as Euroa struggled to mantain goalers Tanya Holland and Ella Sidebottom.
Shepparton would hold its lead to half time, the Magpies trailing 22-24.
In the third term, it was a near exact reversal.
The Magpies rose from the second quarter gut punch and became highly efficient when shooting, while defenders Alice Ludlow and Kelly Hill toiled away, denying any Bears inner pass with tight and tough positioning.
Euroa took the lead back heading into the three-quarter-time huddle, with co-coach Kellie Davidson instilling a spirited message to the Pies.
“I literally said ‘We’ve worked six months to get here, and there’s 15 minutes to go’,” Davidson said.
“15 more minutes of hard work to finish it off.”
And that’s what Euroa did.
The Magpies dug deep and ground out the last 15 minutes of action, not surrendering the lead once in the final term despite their slim advantage to win 47-44.
“I’m out of breath and I didn’t even play the game,” Davidson said with elation post-game.
“We’d push the lead out a tiny bit, and they’d bring it back.
“It was so good we could push it out towards the end there and get a little buffer because my heart wasn’t moving!”
B-grade league best and fairest Kelly Hill added more accolades to her name with a best on court performance, and Davidson had only one word to describe the Euroa stalwart.
Goat.
“There’s nothing the GOAT can’t do,” she said.
“She had another amazing performance today, but we get that from her every week, hence the league medal.
“She’s a superstar.”