Third time not the charm
ST MARY’S co-coach Travis Robertson concedes it will take something special to rebound from a crushing third-straight grand final loss.
The Saints, favourites to claim their sixth premiership and break a run of successive defeats, were overrun by St Joseph’s in a thrilling grand final.
“I’m gutted, the playing group is clearly gutted,” Robertson said.
“To lose three grand finals in a row, it takes a pretty special person to get back up from that. We’ve got a bit of work to do around that.
“The guys were really well prepared — I don’t think we would have anything different.
“We just had not enough players play at their best today, and that’s what happens in grand finals — you don’t win them if not everyone is playing good footy.”
Leading by a game-high 22 points during the second quarter — and having led at every change — the Saints gave up a 14-point advantage early in the last term to go down by nine points.
Robertson admitted his side had opportunities to put Joeys to the sword early, but failed to convert.
“There was periods of time in that second quarter where we needed to kick some goals and put some scoreboard pressure on them and we weren’t able to do that and they were able to stay in the game,” Robertson said.
“Then as the game wore on, certainly in the last quarter, what we thought might have been our strength, they actually seemed to be running over the top of the ground a bit better than us.”
Robertson said the week off, courtesy of a thumping second semi-final win over Leopold, undoubtedly had an effect on his players.
“I think it probably did for the first 10 minutes,” Robertson said.
“I don’t think we were in the game as well as what we should have been — we were a bit fumbly. They were obviously match-hardened playing consistent footy. But I don’t think it was the difference, that’s for sure.”
With a star-studded senior list and a bevy of quality players leading the Saints’ reserves to a premiership, Robertson was adamant talent was not the issue.
“It’s not necessarily about adding more stock,” he said.
“We brought a few with us, but the first time we met the playing group we said, ‘you’re good enough to get to the grand final’.
“So it’s more about what we execute on that last day in September for us as a club.”
Robertson said post match he was unaware of any potential retirements, but confirmed he and fellow cocoach Glenn Keast were committed to bringing success to the proud club.
“We’ve been looking at a few options for next year already; having a chat to a few guys — planning’s already started,” Robertson said.
“We’re in for the long haul. We came to win grand finals and this stage we haven’t done that, so we’ll be here for a while yet.”