SEBASTOPOL Vikings coach Michael Busija has sent a frank message to his players at the completion of the men’s state league four season.
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The Vikings were beaten 1-0 by league struggler Brimbank Stallions in the final round at St Georges Reserve on Saturday.
It was a loss that Busija described as “disappointing”, given the club’s recent form.
“We didn’t play like we really had anything to play for,” Busija said.
“We started OK but never really stamped ourselves on the game.
“We’ve had a really good second half of the year and that was a disappointing way to end the season.”
The scrappy affair saw Brimbank score just before half-time.
Both sides hit the cross bar in the second half, with McClounan and Josh Antonelli troubling the Stallions’ defence in the final 10 minutes before the underdogs were able to hold the Vikings off.
Sebastopol has lost to Brimbank twice this year, with the first defeat coming via a shock 5-1 thrashing back in round 11.
Busija believes his side is one of the most talented in the division, but says at times it lacks mental strength.
“I don’t think that Brimbank has as much talent as us, but they had more grit and determination,” he said.
“We had a really good talk after the game and I think we’ve got to go past hoping that our natural ability will get us over the line. We’re doing ourselves a disservice and that shows in the amount of one-goal losses we’ve had this year.”
The Vikings finished the season in ninth spot with six wins, seven draws and nine losses.
michael.pollock@fairfaxmedia.com.au