And while Aces did prevail in the decider 2-1, it was far from easy, with the decider going to extra-time at the Cooke Hockey Complex. 

Aces’ Chris Stafford said Red proved to be a really tough side.

“[St Pat’s Red] are a really good, young team,” he said.

“They would definitely be one of the youngest sides in the competition and they’re very fast and skillful.

“We didn’t play our best game but they sort of forced that upon us.”

Red opened the scoring just after the second-half interval through Fletcher Norris, before Aces responded with a goal from Harry Unsworth within a minute of the opener. 

Red took the lead in the early moments of the second-half, in normal time, before Aces responded with a goal from Harry Unsworth within a minute.

During the first minutes of extra-time, Rowan Baker got the go-ahead goal to give Aces a 2-1 lead, which they never relinquished. 

Stafford said St Pat’s proved to be dominant during the first half of regular time.

“They had the most of the opportunities, but then we scored nearly within in a minute of them scoring, to even it back up,” he said.

“They had a few more opportunities towards the end of the game, but they couldn’t put them away.”

“We always knew it was going to be hard. The past few times we’ve played them, they haven’t had their full team on the paddock.

“We went through the season, only losing one game, so I think we were expected to win but we always knew they were going to be a tough opponent. A lot of young blokes, quick and skillful. 

“They’re definitely going to be a team to watch for the next couple of years.”

As minor premiers, Aces earned a direct path to the grand final, while Red had to get past club-mates Blue. 

Aces only loss came to Red, however, during that game, they played two short.