The game appeared safe in the Dockers' keeping thanks to a 40-point buffer midway through the third quarter.

But Devonport kicked the last two goals of the term to keep its dream alive and then suddenly found the run that had been its calling card all season to slam home the first three goals of the final quarter to bring the margin back to just 12 points with plenty of time remaining.

A tiring Burnie found enough in their legs to keep propelling the ball forward and gradually grew the margin to 15 points with four consecutive behinds, leaving the opposition needing three goals in five minutes.

It proved to be a bridge too far for the Magpies, with the Dockers running out 9.17 (71) to 9.8 (62) winners and making it eight flags for the club in NWFL history.

"It was very much a feeling of relief at the final siren," triumphant coach Brent Plant said.

"It was pretty tense, Devonport were coming, but to the credit of our boys, they defended really well and held the ball up when it needed to be.

"There is a lot more satisfaction in this year's win because the rest of the competition came up a level and constantly challenged us."

Burnie midfielder Dylan Smith was awarded the Wayne Wing Medal for best on ground after a marathon performance that never saw him leave the ground, while league best and fairest Bailey Boag, veteran winger Kade Munday and full-back Harry Walters were also prominent.

Quade Byard was the pick of the Magpies, alongside ruckman Jacob Marshall.

Earlier in the game, the Dockers opened with a bang in the wet conditions, kicking five goals to one to establish a 24-point lead at the first break.

With the threat of the game quickly becoming a blowout, Devonport rallied and dominated the majority of the second term to get the deficit back to 10 points in the shadows of half-time.

But thanks to Brett Robinson and Damon Smith, Burnie goaled twice in as many minutes to close out the half with a 23-point lead.