Victory was ripped from Sebastopol's grasp when North Ballarat City's Michael Todd snapped a goal from 30 metres out in front - something neither team had managed all game - and gave North a four-point win.

One minute earlier it was the Burras who were jubilant when, after dominating play for the entire quarter, Sam Jenkins converted from a 50-metre penalty that put him at the top of the goal square.

They were the only two goals kicked in the final quarter of the RegionalOne Ballarat Football League match.

Peaches' North Ballarat City coach Simon Payne could not bring himself to watch Todd's attempt, but once the siren went it was Sebastopol playing coach Mark Russell's turn to bury his head in his hands.

"What a heartbreaker," Russell said.

"We hit the front and pushed the numbers back and instead of defending we were trying to attack, which is something that can happen with young players.

"We just got a bit excited."

The first quarter was fast and exciting, with Sebastopol holding a narrow two-point lead at the break.

Then mud bogged down scoring and a heavy ball played havoc on set shots, which hurt both teams in the 7.11 (53) to 6.13 (49) finish.

North's Aiden Kickett broke a goalless second quarter with a kick off the ground about 15 seconds before the half-time siren.

There was nothing flash or fancy in this contest.

Both teams were locked in a plain, hard slog.

Sebastopol might have had more of the play, but it was North that had the more effective crumbers. Each team had its chances.

Payne said the match was a good test of character.

"What a great win. Both sides deserved a win, really," he said.

"It's a big day for (Sebastopol) and they came out hard. Their reserves had their first win of the year, so we knew they were going to be up."

North youngster Keenan George provided a spark up forward with impressive pace and clever disposals in his BFL senior debut.

Captain Matt Doyle worked hard in defence with Todd leading the charge through the centre and Adam Richardson relentless on-ball.

North Ballarat Roosters-listed Jason Linke starred for Sebastopol and set a solid example in one-on-one contests.

Veteran Burra Chris Wills stood strong up forward, while Marty Porter worked relentlessly to grind the ball out of the midfield.

Russell said luck was just not with his team.

"I'm proud of all the boys for not giving up," he said.