Talking to the media after the game, Ryan started by crediting the Vixens for their win.
“I think first and foremost huge credit to the Vixens, they were elite in every position on the court and had us under pressure from the beginning,” he said.
Ryan said the team weren’t able to execute their game plan and that was what let them down on the day.
“You’ve got to be able to execute during critical moments on a Grand Final day and it just wasn’t our day,” he said
“It wasn’t the performance we are capable of and that’s a tough pill to swallow.”
Fever had five players experience their first SSN grand final (Shanice Beckford, Jordan and Zoe Cransberg, Olivia Wilkinson and Fran Williams) compared to only one Vixens player (Maggie Caris).
Ryan said you can’t anticipate that type of pressure until you experience it.
“To be fair to our playing group, you can’t replicate the pressure of today’s Grand Final,” he said.
“Our younger players who are just starting off their journey at this level will learn a huge amount from today’s experience, that’s probably where the Vixens had the edge in critical moments.”
When reflecting on positive moments, Ryan said being able to level the game in the fourth quarter was the sides best moment.
“I’m very proud that we could get to that point in time,” he said.
“This has still been one of our best seasons ever for the Club.
“When we step onto the court in 2026, we will be much more hardened and experience for what the season will bring.”
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