Kingborough won their first Lakoseljac Cup in the most dramatic fashion with a last-second equaliser and penalty shootout required to beat Devonport.
Having knocked out holders South Hobart on spot kicks in the semi-final, the Lions repeated the act in a thrilling final to secure the prized Australia Cup qualification.
Losing finalists in 2000, 2015 and two years ago when thwarted in the dying seconds by Glenorchy, Jon Fenech’s Kingborough reversed roles by equalising with the last kick of normal time.
Trailing 1-0 with just seconds of the indicated four minutes of stoppage time remaining and keeper Nick O’Connell sent upfield, Ryan Cook’s long throw caused mayhem in the Devonport box which allowed Eli Wright to fire home and spark delirious scenes among Lions players and supporters.
After 30 more goalless minutes the match finished 1-1 and went to a penalty shootout which Lions won 5-3.
Greg Downes, Noah Mies, Hugo Schwarz, Joel Badger and Peter Ravitisai all converted and while Strikers’ Ivan Jolivet, Jordan Payne and Connor Parke were also successful, O’Connell’s save to deny Brody Denehey decided the result.
Devonport had looked on course for an eighth title and an unprecedented double for coach Tom Ballantyne who had earlier masterminded a third straight Women’s Statewide Cup triumph.
Centre-back Parke loomed as the unlikely hero after scoring the opening goal and making several crucial defensive blocks.
What looked like being the game’s pivotal moment came three minutes after the break when Jolivet floated in a free-kick and Parke made the vital contact.
The Lions piled on the pressure late on and looked like being denied by Strikers keeper Taiga Harper until Wright struck.
Having extended a run of 10 straight wins since losing to Devonport in round four, captain and player of the match Eli Luttmer had plenty of praise for his team and club.
“Every single person played a role today and without that we would not have achieved this,” he said.
“Every single part of the ground I see Kingborough people and we could not be prouder to give this back to you.”
Strikers’ captain Parke told his teammates: “Take it in, let it hurt and use it next season.”
Lions had also defeated Riverside (4-0) and Barnestoneworth (8-0) in earlier rounds while Devonport comfortably overcame Taroona (7-0) and Clarence (3-0) but needed extra-time to see off Glenorchy 4-2 in the semi-final.