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From Hobsons Bay Leader
Reported by Luke D'Anello
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WILLIAMSTOWN coach Peter German cut a dejected figure after his side's 56-point loss against Port Melbourne in the Victorian Football League grand final on Sunday.

The Seagulls drew within 15 points of their opponent early in the final quarter at Etihad Stadium, but the Borough booted the last seven goals of the game to claim the flag 22.12 (144) to 13.10 (88).

"You work so hard and you know the players have worked so hard," German said when asked about the disappointment of falling at the final hurdle.

"You know that volunteers have worked so hard. You know (general manager) Brendan Curry and the board have worked so hard.

"These people, this is their lives.

"We sort of fought it out, but it was just almost like we were always struggling to get the game on our terms.

"They probably knew the game was gone with six minutes to go and Port have gone and kicked five or six goals.

"We tried to set up really offensively and play where we could try and see if we could try and kick some quick goals ourselves.

"When you do that, you're always leaving the door open a bit."

But German was quick to praise his counterpart, Port Melbourne boss Gary Ayres, after the loss.

"He (Gary Ayres) coached them well. He's built a club and a team together since 2008," he said.

"They were hungry for it, they were deserving of it, and, in many ways, I felt that the better side won."

Brett Goodes (21 possessions) and Christian Howard (20) were Williamstown's leading ball winners, while Nathan Djerrkura was also outstanding.

Matthew Panos staked his claim for a promotion to the Western Bulldogs' senior list with a four-goal haul.

Two former Seagulls, Dean Galea (six goals) and Patrick Rose (five), led Port's charge in the attacking half.

James Mulligan (opposed to Galea) and Dane Rampe (Rose) were besieged in defence, with German short on reinforcements.

"In many ways, our backline is almost makeshift anyway, so (Brennan) Stack and (Josh) Hill have gone from forwards to become defenders," German said.

"Mulligan is still learning the game, Rampe's has never played in the back line before in his life and he's playing down back."

The Seagulls were without a home ground this season because of a major redevelopment at Burbank Oval, while their Foxtel Cup success meant they forfeited all four byes during the regular season.

"But it still doesn't make up for getting here and not being able to bring our best game," German said.

"We haven't got the luxury of being able to build a list in many ways. Our side could totally change next year again because of the alignment."