The Griffith powerhouse fell agonisingly short of back-to-back Pascoe Cup titles when they fell 3-1 to Leeton United in extra-time at Equex Centre.

Michael Musitano levelled the scores in the 63^rd minute and Hanwood started to get right on top for a period late in the game but they could not find the knockout punch.

It was still a spirited effort from Hanwood, who came from the minor semi-final through to the decider with wins over Young and Henwood Park.

"I think the freshness probably got them home in the end to be fair," Agresta said.

"We had our chances during the game, another one of those chances go in and it could have got the other way but I'm proud of the boys, they dug it out until the end."

Fight it out they did. Hanwood lost a number of soldiers during the battle and Agresta believes that told in the end.

"I can't fault the endeavour," he said.

"We've played three pretty tough games in three weeks and I really think that got us in the end, when it got to extra-time.

"And we lose Sevi early, and Danny out of the centre of defence. You're always reshuffling all day and their backline didn't get changed all day. I don't like making excuses but that's what happens and you go with it."

Agresta was proud of his team to make it through to the decider. He also conceded Leeton was a deserved winner.

"We obviously had a big turnover of players and to get to a grand final and push them all the way, they've been the best team all year, was a good effort," he said,

"I think the Gardner boys give them just that bit of an edge, a bit of class up front and they bring that winning mentality and it got them across the line so well done."

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