The Eagles went down at the hands of St Joseph's by 30 points, with Newtown & Chilwell coach Jacob Spolding lamenting a slow start by his team.
"There was a 15-minute period there in the second quarter where they kicked five unanswered goals and that's the end result, five goals, so it's a bit disappointing in that aspect," he said.
"I think it was eight goals to two at half time and you just can't give a side like that a start."
Despite yesterday's defeat, Spolding said the Eagles were on the up after returning to finals for the first time since 2007.
"We'll slowly but surely keep improving and hopefully next year, and in years to come, challenge sides like St Joeys in these big games," Spolding said.
"We were able to win a final which is a great experience for this group and we've played in another high-quality game today," he said.
Spolding said he was determined to see sustained success at Newtown & Chilwell, after the Eagles broke though for their first finals win since 2005 last week.
Spolding said the side had somewhat achieved their goals for the season, but a lot of hard work remained for the boys at Elderslie Reserve.
"We've achieved what we set out to, but by no means are we satisfied with finishing the year in fourth spot," Spolding said.
"We want success here at the footy club and it's going to be a process but we are on the right track I think."
Spolding, who will return as coach next season, believes that sustained success will be the key if Newtown & Chilwell is to break a 25-year premiership drought.
"We've set a benchmark now for this footy club and we can't go away from that next year, we need to work a little bit harder in making sure we finish in the finals again next year," he said.
"I think we've got a really good bunch of kids and men here at the footy club and I think they are learning."
The Eagles will discuss the recruiting process over the coming weeks for season 2012, with Spolding keen to build on the 2011 list.
"A couple more forwards to help Jay Bett and maybe one or two more midfielders to help through there as well," he said.
"If you look at South Barwon and Bell Park they've got six or seven onballers who go through there, they've got four or five forwards who they can go to."
Last Modified on 24/01/2012 08:45