GSFL 2023: Mt Barker coach Brad Hook thrilled with his side’s season after narrow elimination final loss

Mt Barker coach Brad Hook lauded the fighting spirit of his side’s 2023 campaign in the wake of their heartbreaking Great Southern Football League elimination final loss to Royals on Sunday. The Lions were 14-point winners in an arduous encounter against the Bulls, as four unanswered goals from the Lions in the second term proved the catalyst. The Bulls endured an uncertain preseason with significant player losses underlining their build-up and then a late change of head coach — leaving many to believe victories would be scarce. However after an eight-win campaign and a finals berth, Hook was glowing in his assessment of his side’s endeavour throughout the season. “I’ve already got over the losing aspect, from where we were at the start of the year and then to get into the finals and be as competitive as we are, I’m rapt,” Hook said. “We had our chances, in the first quarter we kicked three goals and eight points and even if it was six goals and five points, the outcome could have been different. “In saying that, they definitely had their chances too, there were 32 points kicked which is crazy and that just shows you the brilliant pressure from both sides. “It was only a four-point margin at three-quarter time, anything could have happened but I think we lost our way structure-wise a little bit. “Everyone was just run off their feet from both sides but they (Lions) were just a little bit better on the day, well done to them. “At the end of the day, I’m just really happy with the boys’ efforts for the year. “The message after the game was to just keep their chins up, they should be proud of what they achieved.”