The gap between the Calder Cannons and the top sides in the TAC Cup was obvious in the opening round of finals.
Having finished in eighth spot, the Cannons faced two-time reigning premiers Oakleigh Chargers in the first round’s elimination final.
The Cannons had the bulk of the inside 50s early, but weren’t able to hit the scoreboard and were left to watch as the Chargers made the most of their opportunities.
The Chargers led by 13 points at quarter-time, but that was as close as it would get for the rest of the match.
A seven-goal-to-zero second quarter blew the game open, and the Cannons couldn’t find any answers.
It was much the same for the rest of the match, with the Chargers winning 23.10 (148)-5.12 (42).
Cannons’ coach Andrew Johnston said the result was an indication of where the team was at this season.
“We knew we were the bottom of the top eight sides, to be honest,” he said.
“Once Oakleigh, Sandringham and Eastern Ranges all got their players back, we knew they would be too good.
“The attitude has been super all year, we just didn’t have enough star players.”
Johnston said as soon as they weren’t able to convert, players dropped their heads and the side deflated a little.
With the game over, Johnston switched players around, making sure the 18 and 19-year-old players in their last games for the Cannons finished on the ground.
He said most in Saturday’s side would go up into open age football next year.
Johnston said the result this season was what they’d expected pre-season after being knocked out in an elimination final last year.
“To get to play finals is a reward, and take no credit away from Oakleigh Chargers, they were too good.”
Ben Ronke and Noah Balta kicked two goals each, with Ronke named best in the loss. Johnston said Ronke and Zachary Guthrie were their best chances come draft time. Balta, Dylan Landt and Brad Bernacki would be players to watch next season for the Cannons.
