Until Saturday, Tanunda had looked invincible in their centenary year but Barossa District, premiers for the past two seasons, showed it was not ready to hand over the crown.

In the final minutes on Saturday, lumbering Bulldog ruckman Glen Chamberlain had a chance to break Tanunda’s unbeaten run, but after breaking a couple of tackles, his kick slewed off the side of his boot and went out of bounds.

The Williamstown Oval clash was full of intrigue and excitement but the Magpies held on to win by five points.

In a bizarre finish, confusion reigned and umpire Mark Pfitzner had to run up to the timekeeper’s box and tap on the window to confirm proceedings had finished.

“Both clubs had been looking forward to this game,” Tanunda coach Steve Lubcke said. “From our perspective the resurgence in the second quarter (after being 27 points down), proved our ability to come back from adversity.

“Both clubs would have got plenty out of the game. Our mental strength is something we took out of the match.

“Barossa was terrific in the first quarter, but the resolve of our group was amazing.”

Luke Wells was important in ruck for the Magpies, while Tom Schiller and wingman Craig Underwood were constructive all game. In defence, Andrew Prior and Jason Neindorf were uncompromising.

Ben Britton was a solid marking target up forward, revelling in the conditions, along with the opportunistic Boh Wall, each kicking three goals. Richie Kruger proved he is going to be a star of the future, being composed and courageous.

Barossa started brilliantly, keeping Tanunda goaless for a term for the first time this year, while they kicked 4.5 and had a 27-point lead.

Adam Spencer was the Bulldogs leading player and had claims for best-on-ground honours, while courageous captain Matthew Stelzer worked tirelessly.

Ross Christie shut out the competition’s leading goal kicker Alex Kennedy’s whose only goal came in the final term.

Heath Commane finished with five goals, while Jack Martin gave his side plenty of run off half back.

Jarrod and Ashley Amber, along with young Launce Kent were serviceable.

“Our first quarter was good and the skills were excellent - it was nearly a faultless term,” coach Rian Nelson said. “Equally our second quarter was as disappointing as the first quarter was good.

“Against a side like Tanunda we need to be more disciplined as we gave away three 50 metre penalties.”