Despite going into the decider with Bulli as underdogs, I thought they outshone their more fancied rivals over the course of the game.

They really rose to the occasion on the big stage and rightly left Crehan Park as the champions on the back of a determined grand final performance.

I thought they had the better of large parts of the game despite not managing to get on the scoreboard. Their defensive effort built the foundation for an extremely good team display.

Noel Spencer is a smart coach and set them up perfectly to hold the usually dangerous Bulli attack at arms length. 

Bulli’s defence also did well to manage the Zebras, but they created few clear cut chances at the opposite end throughout more than two hours on the pitch. 

When it got to penalties, it was anyones guess who would take the silverware.

Fortunately for Port’s sake, they were able to hold their nerve from the penalty spot and walk away with the silverware.

Congratulations to them.

It’s no mean feat to finish in fifth and make it to a decider, let alone win the match.

It certainly shows the value of momentum at this time of year.

I am sure it will be a day the club will remember for many years to come. 

Bulli can still hold their heads up high following a sensational season.

To win the Bert Bampton Cup and League Championship is a special achievement in itself, but unfortunately that same form was lacking on grand final day.

It’s the way the cards tend to fall sometimes in Australian sport.

All too often teams that are the benchmark throughout the season, fail to have the same impact on grand final day.

It’s all about who turns up on the day and Port definitely did that.

Maybe the 31-year drought grand final was playing on Bulli’s minds.

Only they can know that, but I am sure Matt Bailey’s men will come back stronger for the experience next season. 

All in all it was a fantastic weekend of local football.

From Warilla’s last minute winner against Helensburgh in the District League decider to University’s crazy comeback win over Coniston in the District League youth grade final – there was plenty of great action across the two days.

Congratulations to all winner’s across both competitions and all grades.

This is the final Shoot-Out column for the year.