By: JAMES BRESNEHAN
Tasmania hit its straps in the second half, but it was too late to close the first-half gap, going down by 37 points, 13.6 (84) to 6.11 (47).
The Mariners were twice as good as the Rams in the clinches, winning clearances 31-15.
But their disposal destroyed their chances.
``We won the contested ball but we didn't use it well enough and that cost us,'' coach Manny Lynch said.
``We got our hands on it enough and had our opportunities, but bad kicking is bad footy.''
The Mariners won only one of their five championship games, beating Queensland in round two at Aurora 2 1/2 weeks ago.
But the championship was far from a loss.
``It's a fantastic group of kids and they now present back to their State League clubs more developed, more confident and better footballers,'' Lynch said.
``That's what we wanted to achieve, as well as to get a few identified in the AFL arena and we've done that as well.
``So those boxes have been ticked.''
Of the team that played yesterday, seven can continue with the Mariners next year.
However, Luke Russell (Burnie), who did not play yesterday because of a quad strain, Maverick Weller (Burnie) and Rhys Mott (Devonport) may be lost to the new Gold Coast franchise under that club's draft exemption to contract 17-year-olds.
Another 17-year-old, Josh Green (Clarence), also had recruiters talking, even though he is not eligible to be drafted until next year.
``He certainly raised some eyebrows over here in our last couple of games,'' Lynch said.
``They don't talk a lot about the 17-year-olds, but it's interesting the talk about him.''
Marcus Davies (North Hobart) was an attacking half-back who was switched onball to help compensate for the absence of Russell.
Ruckman Cameron Milne (Lauderdale) ended the carnival with outstanding effort, including 27 hit-outs.
``It has got us baffled why recruiters are not a bit more interested in Cameron -- he's 200cm, covers the ground beautifully and statistically he's as good as the top couple in the country irrespective of division,'' Lynch said.
Last Modified on 05/07/2009 15:38