GOLDEN Square has been left to lament a flat middle half of the game in Saturday's BFNL A-grade grand final.
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Despite some near-perfect goal shooting from Roos goal shooter Ruby Barkmeyer, the Bulldogs seized some early momentum to lead 15-13 at the first change of end.
But the Bulldogs were unable to capitalise on that advantage and could only manage seven goals to the Roos' 16 in the second quarter.
Their fate was sealed when they were again outscored 16-10 in the third quarter before going down 56-47.
The loss brought to an end a dramatic finals series for the Bulldogs, who rebounded from an early finals loss to Sandhurst to qualify for the premiership decider with wins over Gisborne.
Speaking at the medal presentation, Bulldogs coach Lia Marrone said Kangaroo Flat had been "awesome" on grand final day.
"Well done to our girls, I have had an awesome year," she said.
"You are just a brilliant bunch (and) you should hold your heads high."
Marrone, who coached the Bulldogs to their 2015 premiership, rang the changes after half time in an attempt to spark some momentum.
Belinda Pinner, who started the game at centre, and wing attack Ashley Ryan swapped positions for the third quarter, while Lucy Morcom came on to replace goal keeper Allira Hammond in a bid to quell the influence of Barkmeyer.
Goal defence Meg Gilbert switched to wing defence after half time and was one of the Bulldogs' best on the day.
It was a fits-and starts type of season for the Bulldogs, who were without their goal shooter Gabe Richards for several weeks and the Ryan sisters - Ashley and Abbey - due to VNL commitments.
They lost their first two games of the season before winning nine straight followed by another pair of losses to Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst.
Their run to the finals included a narrow two loss to Kyneton in round 17.
With their full-strength line-up on-board, the Bulldogs bravely set up a chance to defend their 2015 premiership crown, but an 18 win, one loss season meant it was always likely to be the year of the Roos.