Following a season record of 17-1, the Roos were comfortably the best side in the league leading up to the weekend’s clash, but a number of factors conspired to turn expectations on their head in the course of their 3.5.23 to 16.7.103 loss. 

Yass coach Sam Campbell summarised the Roos’ primary issues succinctly during the post-match presentations

“[The Cats were] just too big, too strong,” Campbell said. 

“We’ve had some good encounters this year. You were just too good on the day.” 

The Roos were physically outclassed on the day and did not turn up to the match mentally. The midfielders did not contest the ball with its usual ferocity, and their smaller and slower forwards struggled to out-position the Cats’ defence. 

None of the Roos’ errors could overshadow what was a spectacular game from the Cats. Their coach, Adam Asanovski, said that Saturday’s Grand Final was the best football his team had played all year. 

“We weren’t quite at our best then, and I don’t think we could’ve played 88 minutes of better football,” Asanovski said. 

“It was our absolute best game of the year, and we brought it on the right day.”

It was the Cats’ first Grand Final appearance in 35 years, and it was also Asanovski’s final match as coach. 

“I’m really overwhelmed, but so proud of the guys,” he said. 

“What a sweet send-off. No sweeter reward could be given to me at this minute.”

While it was a disappointing end to a promising season for Yass, many commented on the day that it was a fairy tale finish for the Cats and for Asanovski. 

Campbell’s disappointment was palpable during the trophy presentations, and his final message to the Roos resonated with the crowd and with his team. 

“[We were] unlucky. We didn’t come out, but be proud of the year that you had,” he said.