THE Ovens and Murray took home the Ash–Wilson Trophy in a close affair on Saturday afternoon.

After a six goal to one first quarter, the O&M squad looked like it was simply too good for the Goulburn Valley League, however, the GV proved up to the task but fell just short in the 13.14 (92) to 13.7 (85) thriller.

Amazingly, Goulburn Valley even led by two points at three quarter time but the O&M found a five goal to four final term to take home victory.

O&M coach Damian Sexton said the game could've gone either way.

"We got off to a good start and credit to them it was probably too easy of a start and we became complacent," Sexton said.

"They had a good, young group of players like ours but luckily we managed to hold on in a finals– like atmosphere.

"The lead changed five or six times in the last quarter but we were fortunate enough to be in front when it mattered.

"It could've been seven points either way so it was just a great game for interleague footy and I'm sure all the spectators enjoyed it."

O&M's backline stood tall with Lucas Conlan, Julian Hayes and Charlie Morrison all named in the best players.

Albury's Riley Bice received the umpires' votes for the AFL Victoria award, while Wangaratta Rovers star Brodie Filo was also prominent.

The O&M and GV's rivalry will only grow with clashes like this and Sexton couldn't be happier to see the sides back battling it out.

"We're so fortunate that the O&M and GV want to do interleague," he said.

"It's important to give players a finals–like game because some players never play finals and only two teams can play in a grand final every year.

"Getting the opportunity to play a high quality game like interleague is so important."