The UWS GIANTS have fallen one step short of a maiden NEAFL Grand Final, losing to Aspley by 89 points at Blacktown International Sportspark.
Having finished as minor premiers for the second year in a row, it was a disappointing end to the season for the GIANTS, with the Hornets running out comprehensive winners 25.8 (158) to 9.15 (69).
It was a case of déjà vu with the same Queensland opponent, winning the same game at the same venue in very similar fashion to 12 months earlier.
Aspley started in red hot form, kicking seven goals in the first term before piling on another eight in the second quarter to have the game all but won at the main break.
UWS GIANTS coach Brett Hand praised Aspley for a polished performance.
“They were too good,” said Hand.
“Their ability to run ad carry the ball, to get on the outside of us was great and there ball movement was fantastic. Credit to them – they deserved the win.
“Their backs were very good in one-on-one contests and they beat us at our own game. Our boys put the flag up too early.
“I was disappointed that we couldn’t get our hands on the footy early.
"When we had the ball we looked alright but when you look at the contested ball stats, our ball winners just weren’t winning the ball."
Despite the disappointing end to the season, Hand acknowledged that there was some growth in the NEAFL side in 2015 and plenty to look forward to in the years to come.
"The boys were shattered (after the game),” he said.
"I was disappointed that we asked the boys to stand up and they didn’t stand up, but we had some guys battle their hearts out.
“Jack Steele after the first quarter was really good, I thought Dylan Addison and Sam Reid kept trying and Tom Downie had a crack in the ruck after being beaten early.
"Jeremy Finlayson who had a slow start had a real go, and I thought (Adam) Kennedy and (Rory) Lobb were really good too."
In their quest for back to back premierships, Aspley now go on to play the NT Thunder in the NEAFL Grand Final this Saturday in Darwin.
Aspley 25.8 (158) d. UWS GIANTS 9.15 (69)
GOALS: D. Addison 3, S. Reid 2, R. Lobb, C. Hampton, J. Pickett, A. Phillips
BEST: J. Finlayson, A. Kennedy, J. Steele, T. Downie, R. Lobb, S. Reid
