In somewhat controversial circumstances, St Kilda took out the 2003 Maningrida Football Grand Final, defeating the Tigers by just 5 points, 13-7 (85 points) to the Tigers 12- 8 (80 points). It was a very even and close match all the way through, with the teams often being within a few points of each other.

On the final siren, the Tigers led by 1 point and their supporters ran on to the oval believing they had won the match. However, the umpire's whistle was not to finish the game but to indicate a penalty kick to a St Kilda player, who then kicked a goal. This of course meant that St Kilda finished 5 points ahead.

In his closing address, Council Chairman Morris Geinbaraba (below, left) said that although it was a very unusual finish, it was nevertheless quite legal, and he thanked the umpires, who were all from the NTFL and had been flown in especially for the day.