Minns the Tigers fielded a young squad for the season and, after taking out both the Caldwell and President’s Cup as well as being crowned minor premiers.

“We’re definitely very happy with how we performed, we obviously didn’t win, but we played very well as a team all year,” Minns said.

“We had a very young side this year, five of the boys are either just 18 or still underneath, which in other competitions they’d still be playing in the Under 18s sides but unfortunately it was the A Grade or nothing for them.”

After a successful season, Minns said it was a disappointing loss on Saturday, going down to a tough Killarney side 30 to 14.

“As a group we definitely didn’t play the best we have all year,” he said.

“We nearly did keep our worst game for last, which is unfortunate.”

Let down by unfortunate errors at crucial points in the game, Minns said the Tigers are looking to bounce back next year, with a focus on building the young squad’s experience and cohesion on the field.

“Our ball handling errors and a little bit of a lack of discipline at crucial times in the game really hurt us and cost us dearly,” he said.

“If we can stick together with that same group of boys for next year and even a couple more years to come, I think we will really be a force to be reckoned with once we regroup and everyone gets a bit more experience.”

In spite of the squad’s loss, Minns said there were a number of standout performances on the day, with Jim Lonergan and Matt Krahe putting in outstanding performances to keep the team afloat.

The match was not unhampered by injuries though, with veteran Tiger Lucas Dearden suffering a shattered jaw to end his season.

“Unfortunately we lost one of our older men Lucas Dearden,” Minns said.

After being crowned Golden Tiger in previous years and consistently bringing out top performances for the local club, Dearden was a sore loss for the Tigers on the day.

“He has been an outstanding player for the club,” Minns said.

“We do wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.”

Dearden returned to Tenterfield yesterday following surgery, with Minns reporting that the wounded Tiger is recovering well.

Half back Wesley Doo also could not escape injury currently recovering from a broken thumb.

Nonetheless, Minns said he was confident the Tigers would return bigger and better in 2015.

“To even make it to a grand final is a great achievement in itself because there are a lot of people who don’t ever get to be a part of a grand final in their lifetime, even just being able to experience that is great in itself,” he said.