This allowed the Wickers to hang on for a hard-fought 15-point win, which ended a winning drought that spanned back to round six of the Central Highlands Football League season.

Creswick coach Ryan Knowles admitted it wasn’t the most impressive win for his side – which booted 9.15 – but was simply pleased to claim victory to finish a long sequence of defeats.

It was a scrappy encounter at Creswick on Saturday, but the hosts looked destined to claim the points when they broke nearly four goals clear of the Grasshoppers by half time.

And when Josh Mitchell converted a free kick early in the third term, the writing was on the wall. But the Grasshoppers found their top gear and piled on the next six majors to take a surprise lead.

Joel Berry squared things up before three quarter time and the stage was set for a thriller.

The Wickers booted the first two goals early in the last term, and after fighting hard to create chances in attack, wasted opportunities – including a couple of close range sprays by Mitch McLaughlin and Sam Chapman – proved costly for the visitors.

Creswick pounced with a late sealer, which put the exclamation mark on the triumph.

Rhys Antonio was yellow carded for an incident in the third term and is understood to have accepted a one-week suspension following his report. And in some more bad news for the Wickers, Jack Marshman’s season looks over after he left the field with what appeared a collar bone injury.

Creswick’s stars on Saturday included Pat Taranto in the middle, wingers Mitchell and Ricky Pearson and defenders Liam Blake and Darrien Mann.

Grasshoppers coach Damon Delaney admitted skill errors from Creswick kept his team in the clash, but still felt it was an opportunity missed for his side to go back-to-back after the previous round’s win over Skipton.

Next week, Creswick is up against the Emus.