11 wins, 5 losses

Lost to East Point in qualifying final, defeated Redan in first semi-final, defeated Melton in prelimninary final and lost to East Point in grand final

Senior players: 35

Quarters won: 37

Best quarters: last (averaged 11-point lead), last (highest average score, 25 points)

Worst quarters: second (averaged 2-point lead), first and second (lowest average score, 16 points)

Highest quarter score: 37 points

Quarters less than 10 points: 15

BEST AND FAIREST - Lachie Cassidy

LEADING GOALKICKER - Michael Powell 41

24-Tony Lockyer

12-Toby Thooley

11-Luke Kiel

6-Lachie Cassidy

4-James Keeble

4-Michael Powell

1-Sam Jenkins

1-Dan Widgery

Well what a season it was for the Burra.

Playing finals for the first time in 19 years and reaching a grand final.

There was no fairytale finish, but what a ride everyone involved had.

It was a breath of fresh air for the competition.

The success it had did not come overnight.

It went back to the days when Shane Snibson was coaching and Sebastopol was still struggling to win games.

With the foundation laid, Leigh Hutchinson was able to get things going on the field thanks to an influx of VFL-experienced players.

As well as the year finished, Sebastopol was under some pressure early.

QUICK STICKS: WRAPPING UP THE BURRA'S SEASON IN 30 SECONDS

After defeating Ballarat first-up, the Burra suffered three losses on the trot.

It coincided with Tony Lockyer and James Keeble missing the start of the season with injury, new ruckman Toby Thoolen being unavailable and Brett Goodes in and out of the side.

It had to stand up, and it did.

Sebastopol won eight of its next nine matches to be in second position after 15 rounds.

With a healthy percentage and three games inside the top six with three rounds to play, the Burra knew it would be playing finals.

What this did was give Sebastopol breathing space to come to terms with the realisation it would be part of the finals series.

As well as doing that, the Burra also finished second to earn a double chance with a qualifying final match-up with East Point.

If it was tough getting into finals, Sebastopol quickly found that playing in them would be even more difficult.

Injuries to Brett Goodes, Luke Kiel and Michael Powell impacted.

The fact that Sebastopol was able to work through it and get into the grand final spoke volumes for the players given the size of the challenge they faced.

While it lost the big one, the Burra laid the foundation for a successful future and earned the respect of the whole BFL community.

There is big news already for Sebastopol in the off-season with former North Ballarat Roosters player and Springbank coach Michael Searl the new coach.

It was disappointing to see Leigh Hutchinson go, but behind the scenes the Burra had known for most of the season he would be leaving and this allowed for a smooth transition.

Searl looks a perfect fit, with so many of Sebastopol's most important players having spent time as part of the Roosters' VFL culture.

The big test for Sebastopol is to again be a premiership contender next year.

With player retention high, the Burra does not need much more.

It is keen though to add some outside run through the midfield and class.

What it does lack is a stream of young talent coming through the ranks owing to it having struggled to get a thirds under-age side on the park, so internal development also needs to be a priority.

Hard to fault its season.

Exceeded the expectations of most.