The Pies were smashed by and enthusiastic Sawtell side on the weekend 100-13.

The Magpies had no answer for the attack early on as Sawtell went into the first quarter break up by 33 points. And the goals didn’t stop there.

An avalanche of goals in the second meant the game was already decided by the half time break.

Coach Scott Abercrombie admitted it was a disappointing way to finish the year but said his team had done well even to get as far as they had.

“Of course its a disappointing finish to our year,” he said. “But when you take a step back from it and have a look at the year as a whole we should be proud of our achievement.

“We started the year really slow and lost the first three games of the year but we managed to turn it all around and we won seven of our last nine and were playing really good footy.

“We can take a lot out of that.”

Abercrombie said although a number of late pull outs from the game from injury and unavailability was a factor in the loss it wasn’t an excuse.

“We had a few players unable to play but we’re not making excuses,” he said. “They (Sawtell) just came out and wanted it more and the wet, muddy conditions really suited their physical style of play and worked against our fast style of play.” 

The attention now turns to the under 18s and reserve grade who both made it to the finals.

The under 18 side go into the game against Sawtell undefeated and favourites.

Reserve grade also play Sawtell and have a point to prove after going down to the team earlier in the finals.

First grade premiership will be decided between Sawtell and Coffs.