BEATEN but certainly not bowed.
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That's the tale of Kangaroo Flat's A-grade grand final day on Saturday.
As the sun sets on a seven-goal loss to a classy Sandhurst, an upbeat Roos coach Jayden Cowling insisted his side reflect on a 'fantastic season' and be proud of a fearless grand final performance.
"We finished up in the preliminary final season last year, so to get to a grand final is an improvement and achievement," he said.
"We had a fairly new playing group, girls like Annie Spear and Julia Clarke played A-reserve last year, Ella Wicks played under-17s, Kate Burton had a year off, and Alicia (McGlashan) had just had a baby.
"It was a fresh-looking Kangaroo Flat this year. Hopefully we can get all players back on board next year, and hopefully, I am coaching again."
Of those mentioned, Spear was one of the Roos' best with a team-high 26-goals, while their joint-captains Chelsea Sartori and Ingrid Hopkins led from the front.
An upset looked possible when Kangaroo Flat skipped to a six-goal lead early in the second-quarter, before the Dragons flexed their muscles to have the game on even terms at half-time.
Cowling said his players had heeded the message to leave nothing on the court in a bright opening to the match.
"It was a really strong start by the girls, we didn't show too many nerves and settled pretty nicely," he said.
"We were a bit erratic in the second quarter and that allowed Sandhurst back into the game.
"We fought all the way to the end, which I am really proud of, they just got us in that last quarter."
Cowling referred to the Roos' season as a 'rollercoaster', in no small part due to a late season injury to Kate Burton, who was sidelined for the grand final.
In emotional scenes, players from both sides were quick to console the star Burton post-game in a deep-mark of respect for the star defender.
Cowling was left to ponder just how much difference she might have made.
"It's been an extremely hard week for Kate, very emotional. We would have loved to have had her out there," he said.
"It was going to be her last season, which is disappointing for her.
"But she has been an amazing support for me during the finals series."
As gracious in defeat as he is in victory, Cowling gave full praise to Sandhurst and their coaches Tamara Gilchrist and Heather Oliver for a hard-fought grand final win and a remarkable milestone.
"It's extremely hard to back up grand finals and prepare mentally to do that," he said.
"They should be really proud of themselves.
"I'm sure if they get all their players back next season they'll be back contesting for another one."
The Roos did not emerge empty handed on grand final day, with their B-grade team defeating Sandhurst 40-37.
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