WANGARATTA thirds' footballers got the Ovens and Murray grand final day off to a flier with a thrilling four point victory over Corowa–Rutherglen at the Lavington Sportsground yesterday.

It was a game of momentum with both teams kicking flurries of goals at different stages throughout the match but ultimately it was the Magpies who prevailed 10.13 (73) to 10.9 (69).

The Magpies started well kicking the first three goals of the game, including a Jayden Adamo snap from the right pocket that dribbled through.

However, the Roos bounced back in the second term, producing one of their best quarters of the year to grab the half–time lead 6.5 (41) to Wangaratta's 5.5 (35).

Wangaratta drew level in the third quarter and looked like they had found their groove, but it was Corowa–Rutherglen who went to another gear to lead 9.9 (63) to 7.6 (48) at the final change.

However, Wangaratta's key forward Xavier Laverty stood tall, taking two brilliant contested grabs 20 and 25 metres out within the space of five minutes with both resulting in goals to bring the Magpies within a kick of the lead.

It was then Charley Holland–Dean's time to shine, with the young gun converting a set shot from 45 metres out on a slight angle to give his side the lead.

From there the Magpies held on with Will O'Keefe arguably best on ground, running riot through the middle of the ground.

Corowa–Rutherglen's Jedd Longmire won the Brett Kirk Medal for best on ground.

Wangaratta coach Matt Hedin was over the moon with the victory.

"It's just fantastic," Hedin said.

"The boys showed real character to come back the way they did.

"We were a little concerned when we were down but we knew if we took the emotion out of it and kicked one or two (goals) the momentum would swing back our way.

"Once we got on top in general play we were able to get back into it."

Wangaratta backman Ryan Battin was invaluable in the final term, taking multiple intercept marks when Corowa–Rutherglen looked dangerous entering their forward 50.

"Ryan was excellent, he took four or five intercept marks when we really needed them," Hedin said.

"I think he was certainly one of our best."

Adamo and Joe Berry kicked two goals each for the winners, while Roos' forward Ryan Beveridge kicked four.

MAGPIES: Best players: Hunter Graham, Daniel Young, Will O'Keefe, Ryan Battin, Oliver Scalzo, Waitai Tua; Leading goal kickers: Joe Berry 2, Jayden Adamo 2.

MAGPIES TEAM: FB: Braeden Marjanovic, Hunter Graham, Oliver Scalzo; HB: Jayden Adamo, Hugh Canning, Charley Holland–Dean; C: Max Bihun, Joe Berry, Ethan Guy; HF: Charlie Ross, Ryan Battin, Daniel Young; FF: Waitai Tua, Jett Roberts, Will O'Keefe; FOL: Xavier Laverty, Harry McMonigle, Will Oats; Interchange: Patrick Wright, George Hearn, Samuel Holmes, Tom Montgomery.