"That's the best one of those I ever scored," Burke told team-mates after the set play turned to gold.

Burke had his back to the net on the right of the battery in a variation called "fletch", which he specialises in.

His backstick deflection flew into the roof of the net in the 50th minute, but it was initially ruled out by umpire Wes Johnston.

Senior umpire David Gentles, who controlled the 2008 Olympic final, immediately blew time out and after a short consultation the goal was awarded.

"If we don't give those (goals) we might as well pack our bags and go home," Gentles said to Johnston.

It was a goal worthy of winning any game, and no less than Uni deserved after a season in which they lost once.

"It's a variation we hadn't used against Albion Park all year and it worked at the right time," Uni captain-coach Kurt Ogilvie said.

"It was one of those games when they scrambled really well in defence and put their bodies on the line like they always do, which made it really hard for us.

"We knew a goal would come if we stayed patience and it did."

Albion Park scored first after 18 minutes when Bede Gillard found space at the top of the circle and drove home a backstick shot.

Uni were quick to reply with teenager Josh Walter scoring four minutes later, but should have been behind at the break, but Park striker Merrick Law missed in the last minute of the opening half.

It was the last clear-cut opportunity Albion Park got, as Uni laid siege to the Park net for most of the second half.

"They have been the best side all year and probably deserved the premiership," Albion Park captain-coach Dean Nealon said of the students.

"We battled hard but they have so many classy players and were just that bit better at taking their chances in the end."