The Gambier Centrals Lions remain the kings of the Steeline Bendigo Bank Limestone Coast Football Association Senior Men’s world, but only just after a grand final for the ages.

The 2022 decider had everything from goals, cards, sun, rain and penalties and instantly attracted comments of being the “best ever” after arch-rivals Centrals and International threw everything at each other.

In a year Australia famously sealed a FIFA World Cup appearance on penalties it was fitting the local decider at Malseed Park followed the same fate following a breathtaking 3-3 draw which went into extra time.

Few dared to watch as the big names lined up for penalties, but in the end an uncharacteristically stray shot from Inter captain Christian Cella proved the difference as the Lions nailed all five of their shots to defend their crown by the skin of their teeth.

All the emotions of almost two hours of nail-biting drama were released when Sam Shoemark scored the sealer and victorious coach Brodey Koop said he struggled to survive the roller coaster ride and was simply relieved to emerge on top.

“The nerves were not very good because the heart rate was elevated and I was stressing so much,” he said.

“But I backed in my team and keeper Steven (Hughes) and was confident, but at the end of the day a penalty shootout is still a toss of the coin, so very happy to come out on the winning side.”

With the season head-to-head locked at 2-2 after some thrillers, fans braced themselves for another classic, but no one could really believe how the afternoon unfolded.

All weekend a strong breeze heavily favoured the team kicking to the eastern end of the ground and Inter enjoyed the luxury in the first half.

However, it was the Lions who raced out of the gates with Lewis March bringing the ball forward early before eventually the black and blue settled into their work.

International did not even need 10 minutes to land the first blow when Caleb Casey struck from long range to bring their fans to full voice.

Despite the setback Centrals kept fighting led by Christian Fleetwood and Jake Blackwell in the even contest for possession.

But with Cella driving hard in the middle and Sar Hay Moo finding some speed, Inter threatened to score and a mistake from James Davey almost proved costly as Hughes put his body on the line.

However, the keeper had no answer for Sam Bueti’s left boot as he doubled the lead and joined in the party with his supporters.

Despite heading into the main break down 2-0, Koop believed his boys were well in the game knowing they could make a comeback.

“They had the wind in the first half and tried to go over the top with it and play it through which is understandable,” he said.

“But I still thought when we were on the ball we were composed.

“Yes, it was hard work into that breeze, but we were confident at half time knowing if we continued to do what we do we would be in a great position and the boys just did not give up.”

Now with mother nature behind their backs the Lions pressed hard and launched a stunning counterattack.

The orange army found its voice when youngster Jensen Childs scored after scrambled corner.

This opened the door for Blackwell and Cam Saint to join forces to turn the game on its head.

The duo combined beautifully with a pair of well-executed goals to suddenly send Centrals into the lead within 10 minutes.

Suddenly Inter had it all to do and Matthew Bueti made a move only to be meet by the courageous Hughes.

But when the star striker returned for more he had his way to square the scoreboard once again against the run of play.

With almost a quarter of an hour remaining anything was still possible and both defences were suddenly under immense pressure, but they held strong to force the decider into extra time.

Once everyone grabbed their collective breath, the heat was on and the Lions pressed hard armed with the all-important wind.

Sam Shoemark and March appeared to be a deadly combination, but Inter keeper Ka Nay Di Baw was up to the task.

But while Inter led by the gritty efforts of Tyler Michielan was busy defending for its life and succeeding keeping the Lions at bay in the first period of extra time, more pressing concerns started to appear.

Both Casey and Lachlan Charlton were forced to go off, having received double yellow cards which reduced the black and blue to nine men for the remainder of the game.

Being undermanned Inter struggled to utilise the wind as March and Blackwell helped Centrals knock on the door.

Saint thought he scored the sealer in a one on one duel only to be ruled offside, while a Christian Fleetwood long shot looked set to hit the top of the net, but carried into the crossbar instead.

Somehow International managed to hold onto the 3-3 draw and force the game into penalties.

As the tense players struggled to watch on arm in arm, Blackwell and Matt Bueti both nailed the opening penalties and tried to fire up their respective fans.

But the momentum swung when Cella pulled his shot wide of the left post, which provided the perfect opening for the Lions.

Saint, Fleetwood, March and Shoemark all found the back of the net with the latter’s strike securing an unforgettable triumph amid wild scenes as the Lions fans broke ranks and jumped for joy, while the dejected Inter players sunk to the ground.

One of the most emotional individuals was Koop, who guided Centrals to the top in his first year at the helm and said the crazy journey to retain the crown made 2022 so much sweeter after an epic exhibition between two mighty teams.

“I was actually talking to my partner before the game and said ‘there is a different feeling’ this year because of all the sacrifices we have made over the year, so I am absolutely ecstatic,” he said.

“But I only do so much and it all comes back to the players, who deserve everything that comes their way.

“The togetherness of our group helped us get over the line, but it was a great showcase for this region with two great teams battling it out the whole way.”