Western Force coach Richard Graham believed his troops finally gained reward for effort after being on the right side of a tight win over the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park.
Having previously lost five matches this season by a converted try or less, Graham was a relieved man following the Force's 27-24 final regular season round success.
Willie Ripia sealed the Western Australian outfit's fifth win of the 2011 season when he successfully landed a 45 metre penalty attempt on 78 minutes.
"I thought our character was evident throughout, we stuck in there, scored two fantastic tries and Willie's goal two minutes from fulltime was reward for our efforts," a delighted Graham said post-match.
But the Force almost snatched the jaws of defeat from victory when after leading 24-12 through those second-half tries to winger David Smith and fly-half James Stannard, the Rebels launched a late fightback.
Adam Freier cut the deficit to five when he barged over from dummy-half and the home side levelled proceedings when Stirling Mortlock crossed on 74 minutes.
It came after a Cooper Vuna knock on in the build-up and Graham left everyone in no doubt with his thoughts on whether the five-pointer should have been awarded.
"You've got two people within 10 metres, that shouldn't happen at this level," Graham said.
Graham paid tribute to his side's ability to cope with a short turnaround and arriving in Melbourne a day earlier than usual after concerns over transport due to the volcanic ash from Chile.
When quizzed on what effect the James O'Connor saga had on his troops, Graham was emphatic in his response.
"I'll be honest and say the James saga hasn't had any influence or effect on our mindset whatsoever," Graham said.
Stand-in captain David Pocock hopes the Force can build on their eye-catching finish to the season in season 2012 when the club will try to better their third place finish in the Australian Conference.
"I guess as a playing group we believe in our structures, our gameplan and we've shown during the season when we stick to those, we bring that intensity for periods of the game," Pocock said.
"As a playing group now it's about maintaining that for the whole game. You see teams in the top six, particularly in the top two or three, they are playing the full 80 minutes and winning games right at the death."