A devastated Will Griggs has labelled the Swans' season as 'unsuccessful' in the wake of a second consecutive grand final defeat on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Swans went in as favourites to win their first Riverina League premiership in 16 years but fell to Wagga Tigers by 20 points at Narrandera Sportsground.
What hurt Griffith players and supporters most was the fact it appeared to be one that got away as the Swans led from the opening score up until the dying minutes of the third quarter.
Griffith led by 13 points at half-time and kicked the opening goal of the third term before being overrun by a slick Tigers outfit.
The Griffith coach said the loss hurt a lot.
"It feels pretty rubbish, really," Griggs said.
"It probably hurts more this year than last year. Knowing we were in a winning position and just couldn't see it through."
The latest loss added to a ordinary grand final record for Griffith in the Riverina League.
Saturday's decider was their sixth grand final appearance for only the one win in 2003.
Griggs believes his team panicked when placed under intense pressure by Tigers in the second half.
"It was probably just our decision making," he said.
"We had the ball in pretty good spots and when you're in the guts and decide to do that extra one out wide it kind of strangles you into a position you don't want to be in.
"It's a credit to them. They put those numbers back to force us into those positions so we'll learn from it.
"At the moment we've just got to let it sink in and enjoy each other's company and try to find something from there."
Since Griggs took over as coach at the start of last year, Griffith have won 31 of their 38 games. But two of those seven losses have come on grand final day, leaving the Swans mentor unsatisfied.
"Unsuccessful, I guess," Griggs said when asked how to sum up the season.
"We set our goals pretty high and if we're one step short at that last hurdle, it's gut-wrenching at the moment, but it is what it is."
Lucas Conlan continued his brilliant finish to the season with a five-goal effort in a losing team on Saturday.
James Toscan wore Tigers forward Jesse Manton close all day, while vice-captain Isaac Campbell led the resilience.
Heath Northey won plenty of the ball and Nathan Richards rucked well all day.
Griggs remains unsigned for next season and there are some question marks surrounding a number of Griffith's key personnel.
But the 29-year-old from Canberra has maintained he is not going anywhere until he sees the club through to success. After the grand final on Saturday, he hinted he will follow through and remain at Griffith for another year.
"I'm 90 per cent confident I'm staying here," he said.
"I'm sure we'll keep that core, similar to last year. We put recruiting and talks on hold because we just wanted to focus on this year so that will be sorted out in the next few weeks."
READ MORE