SMW Rovers had its finals hopes crushed in heartbreaking two-point loss to Lismore-Derrinallum.
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The Bulldogs needed to win to give themselves a chance at finishing in the top five, trailing the Demons by one match heading into the second last game of the season.
It was the home side that made the most of tricky conditions early in the crucial contest, jumping out to lead by 25 points at the first break.
The Demons hit back in the second term, cutting the lead to 11 points by half-time.
It was the third quarter, the infamous ‘premiership quarter’, that proved to be the difference in the game.
Both sides were able to hit the scoreboard with goals but it was Lismore-Derrinallum that got on top, booting four goals to two to lead by four points going into the final quarter.
“The pressure was intense, both teams were just desperate to do what they could,” SMW Rovers coach Kane Tolliday said.
“It was pretty wet which kept scoring low.”
The Bulldogs had nine shots at goal but could only convert once while the Demons slotted their two scoring shots for goals, including a major in the final three minutes to win the game.
Read more: Lions roar to fifth win
The Demons finished ahead 9.9 (63) to 8.13 (61), ending the Bulldogs’ season in heartbreaking fashion.
“We were the better team for 98 per cent of the game but just could not capitalise when we needed to,” Tolliday said.
“We made a great start in the first quarter and all of the stats were in our favour after that but we just couldn’t convert on the scoreboard like we needed to.
“We missed plenty of easy chances which hurt us in the end.”
Kallen Young kept Demons star Michael Lockyer to just one goal while James Costigan and Sam Munro had two goals each for the Rovers. Tolliday said sadness was the overwriting emotion at full time.
“It hurt to have 11 months of work ended like that,” he said.
“It doesn’t all come down to that match or those last two minutes though, we lost five or so games by less than two goals which if we win means we are probably in the top five.
“We will now look to end on a high next week and also get around our reserves who have a great chance at winning a flag.”
