Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Patrick Voss expects moments of regret will haunt Fremantle players for months following their devastating defeat in the AFL grand final.
The ‘Prancing Pony’ kicked three goals for the Dockers in Saturday’s loss, while limiting Brisbane co-captain Harris Andrews’ influence.
But he had to fight back tears as he reflected on Fremantle throwing away a golden chance to claim the first premiership in the club’s 32-year history.
“Everyone will have moments that they’re going to replay in their heads for the next six months and want back, and I’m no different,” Voss said.
“I’m replaying moments in my head right now that I’d love to have back.
“I heard (Hawthorn coach) Sam Mitchell say after their loss last week that to feel the greatest achievement you’ve got to be willing to be heartbroken and lose like we lost.
“That’s sport, I suppose.”
Voss’s third major put Fremantle 17 points in front at the 21-minute mark of the final term and led to the “Wharfie Time” button being pushed.
The move backfired spectacularly as Brisbane generated their own energy from the crowd-rousing activation and piled on four goals in quick succession to snatch a classic victory, 14.12 (96) to 12.17 (89).
It sealed a historic Lions’ premiership three-peat while condemning the Dockers to a brutal new chapter in their flag-less history.
Voss offered his teammates comfort after the siren, hauling fellow key forwards Jye Amiss and Josh Treacy to their feet.
“I wrote on a card before today things I could be proud of myself for and I said to myself, ‘whatever happens today I’m not going to be defined by being a premiership player or not’,” Voss said.
“I feel like I’m a good person and I feel like my 22 brothers on the field are all good people, and they’re not going to be defined by this loss.
“I wanted to show my love and support to them.”
Treacy kicked a booming set shot for Fremantle’s first goal but also missed what looked like being a certain major in the final quarter.
The All-Australian key forward was chased down by desperate Lions’ defender Ryan Lester in the goal square and the ball sliced off the side of his right boot.
“He’s not defined by one moment and he’ll be back bigger and better, that’s for sure,” Voss said.
Voss hopes teammates can use their heartache to drive another flag bid next season.
“I’m shattered, disappointed and heartbroken – more so for the group,” he said.
“It’s the hardship and the hard losses that bring the group together and it will make it all the more sweeter when we manage to win one.”
