Clarence has narrowly survived collecting its first wooden spoon since 1958 after a nail-biting five-point loss to North Hobart.
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The two teams were never separated by more than 13 points in a see-sawing 9.13 (67) to 9.8 (62) result which looked a chance of finishing as a draw late in the last term.
Roo Keren Howlett had the chance to level the scores with less then a minute to go after a deliberate out of bounds decision 30m from goal, but could only register a behind to the near side.
Zac Buechner marked strongly on the siren but could not produce the miracle 80m torpedo needed to change the result.
Star Demon Colin Garland kicked four goals in the third term to finish with six for the game, and even had time for a quick three-quarter time interview with former Melbourne teammate Max Gawn.
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Retiring Demons veteran Oliver Di Venuto also hit the scoreboard with a sidestep and 40m roost in the first quarter.
The 36-year-old former Roo was later given a guard of honour by both clubs upon exiting the ground.
Chris Nield was again Clarence's leading goalkicker, slotting three to finish with 26 for the season, while young guns Blair Rubock, Ethan Jackson and Lachlan Borsboom all impressed.
Both sides ended the season with three wins and 14 losses, with North Hobart finishing about five per shy of avoiding a second-consecutive wooden spoon.