But in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Collegians' Isaac Schembri was involved in a collision with Abercrombie goalkeeper Nathan Maxwell, which referee Richard Marshall deemed a penalty.

Up stepped skipper Dylan Harvey who, with the weight and expectation of the Collegians faithful watching on, slotted the ball low and to Maxwell's right to score the winning goal with the last kick of the match.

READ MORE:

The result delivered Collegians its first men's premier league title in 12 years, in the club's first season back in the top flight competition.

Collegians coach Michael Betts was ecstatic with his team's win, considering they came from 1-0 down.

"We dug deep. They beat us three times during the season and then we came back and we won the one that matter," he said.

"I'm very happy. I'm very excited about the boys and we showed that we've got a lot of depth and we can control them.

"[Abercrombie] were the more superior team, they beat everyone all year. We just won when it mattered."

Abercrombie opened the scoring in the 24^th minute when the ball was launched from Navy's own half of the field and into the box, finding the feat of Tyson Newton - having just come onto the pitch minutes before - who slotted it past Collegians goalkeeper Hayden James.

Collegians found an equaliser in the 55^th minute when Kurt Toole's free kick from distance missed everyone, including Maxwell, and went into the back of the net to make it 1-1.

And nine minutes later Collegians found the front, when Brodin Corby's shot from outside the box was fumbled by Maxwell, with Corby picking up the scraps to make it 2-1.

The lead only lasted until the 74^th minute, however, as Mitch Curran burst down the left wing, cut inside and passed it across goal only for Jim Baker to tap it into an open net.

Both teams traded chances until Harvey scored the winner, which in turn was the last kick of the game.

Betts was full of praise for Harvey, who had to step up and take the most important penalty in his career.

"It was great composure from him. He's been our penalty taker all year. He never misses," he said.

"I just had to have faith in him and he stepped up and rose for the occasion.

"I think he knew what was at stake: it was now or never or we lose in extra-time."

The coach also believes the penalty was a "fair" decision.

"It was a 50-50. They both went for the ball and the keeper took him out," he said.

"They were going for the ball, I just thought I had to appeal, that's what we've got to do. The ref saw it as taking him out, which was fair."

And having broken a 12-year men's premier league drought, Betts said it's a special moment for the club.

"It's been 12 years since Collies have had a first grade team and first year back and we won it," he said.

"I think it's special for the club and I think our boys can take it and celebrate that special moment."