Sunday’s grand final delivered another dose of heartache for Diggers Rest.
A 10-point defeat by Romsey in the Riddell District Football League decider means the Burras have finished runners-up three years in a row, losing by a combined margin of just 35 points.
Diggers Rest president Chris Payne described the 15.19 (109)-14.15 (99) loss as shattering.
“Losing three grand finals in a row is hard to cop,” he said. “It’s quite devastating; what else can you say?”
After beating Romsey in the semi-final two weeks earlier, the Burras went into Sunday’s match fresh from a week off.
But the extended break was forgotten when the ball was bounced and defending champions Romsey made the better start.
The Redbacks dominated the contest out of the middle, claiming a number of key centre clearance breaks and easily winning the inside-50 count.
The margin was 25 points by quarter-time and goals from Phillip Lobb, Mitchell Farmer and Bradley Mitchell made it 39.
Payne said after the match it had been frustrating to see his team’s errors turn into quick goals for the Redbacks.
“The guys always give 100 per cent. No one will ever not give it their best,” he said.
“It comes down to getting our structures right, the guys being where they have to be, and when they have to be there.
“At times today we weren’t there for those possessions and we got exposed.
“When that happens, it’s going to be pretty hard to win the game.”
Midway through the second term, the Burras were able to fight their way back into the contest. Diggers Rest began wresting back control of the ball through the middle of the ground and was more precise with its kicking coming out of the defensive 50.
It resulted in the Burras booting the next six goals to cut the margin to just two points early in the third term.
“We came back really strongly and that’s all you can ask,” Payne said.
“You need to show a bit of ticker and do the right thing as a team. It’s a team that wins the grand final, not individuals.”
Just when it looked as though a comeback win was on the cards, Romsey regrouped.
With Stephen Burlak causing havoc up forward, the Redbacks went on a run and kicked the final six goals of the third term to extend the margin to a game-high 41 points.
For Diggers Rest to win, everything had to go right for the Burras in the fourth term and it started in the best possible fashion.
Jason Williams took control of his side’s 50-metre arc, kicking three of the quarter’s first four goals.
He added a fourth 15 minutes later and with eight minutes remaining the margin had been sliced to 14 points.
The Burras were unable to land the killer blow and although Romsey failed to kick any more goals, it did enough to win.
“We have some great partners on board at our club and we have some great players, but it doesn’t matter if you’re undefeated during the year or if you finish sixth, getting to that grand final is all that matters,” Payne said.
