Jacana will look to regroup and bounce back in Essendon District Football League division 2 after a disappointing finals loss on Saturday.
Facing Coburg Districts for a second straight week, a lot more was at stake this time round with the winner going straight through to the grand final.
It was the Lions day, with the Jaguars struggling to find goal scoring options.
The Jaguars will play Northern Saints in a preliminary final this weekend. The Saints accounted for Moonee Valley.
The Lions led by 21 points at half-time in their match with the Jaguars, and after an even third quarter still led by 19 points at the last break.
The Jaguars saved their best for last, kicking four final-quarter goals, but they still fell short, losing 9.7 (61)-7.9 (51).
Jaguars’ coach Robert Fletcher said his side wasn’t good enough on the day.
“They were too good today,” he said. “Not making excuses, but we didn’t really have a bench from halfway through the second quarter. We made a lot of mistakes and it cost us in the end.”
The Jaguars have been left reeling by injuries.
Star goal kicker Cameron Cloke went off with a back injury, while Michael Evans hurt his shoulder. Both had X-rays on Saturday night.
Rhys Evans tore his hamstring off the bone, an injury that will end his season.
Fletcher said there were not many positives out of the game for his side, but he was proud with how his players had a crack in the second half.
“We lost Cam and lost our captain (Michael Evans), as well,” he said. “Not many clubs could come back from that.
“I said to the boys: ‘I don’t like losing, but a lot of sides would have thrown the towel in at half time.’
“We got within three points in the last quarter.”
Bryce Kimuliatis, Edward Edis, Corey McCawley and Aaron Austin were named the Jaguars’ best in the loss.
