Kuwarna Vice Captain Alex Neal-Bullen says the nine-point loss to Hawthorn in Launceston on Thursday night was a critical “missed opportunity” in the context of its season.
After trailing by 20 points at the final change, Kuwarna mounted a spirited final-quarter fightback to close the margin to within a solitary behind with under four minutes remaining.
They weren’t able to complete the comeback however, as a late goal to Blake Hardwick delivered the Hawks the four points, and Kuwarna a fifth defeat of season 2026.
Speaking to AFC Media post-game, Neal-Bullen said players were disappointed they weren’t able to finish the job and come away with a win on the road.
“We always continue to fight, that's what this group's been showing this year and we did it again tonight in that last quarter, but I do feel like that was an opportunity missed,” Neal-Bullen said.
“How we worked our way into the game to start with was a positive, and then as good sides do the Hawks came hard at us and we weren’t quite able to keep them at bay and fell behind in the game through the second and third term.
“But our ability to absorb that pressure, regroup at three-quarter-time and get back into the contest and give ourselves a chance to win was a credit to the fight within our group.
“However, to fall short in the end was frustrating and we leave here disappointed that we missed an opportunity.”
The loss was the fourth Kuwarna had suffered by under two goals this season, with the narrow defeats proving to be a frustrating learning curve for Neal-Bullen and his teammates.
“It’s definitely frustrating to be on the wrong end of another close game,” Neal-Bullen said.
“But in saying that, you can't get too wound up, you have to make sure you understand where the game went wrong. But then also look at the opportunities we created.
“Although we didn't take four points from the game, we take a lot of learnings, and we’ve got to make sure we learn from them moving forward.”
Kuwarna will have a bye next week, having completed the first half of the season with a 6-5 record.
Neal-Bullen reflected on the start to the campaign and where the squad needed to improve.
“We've had many different challenges throughout the games, whether that be injuries, form and people coming in and out of the side,” Neal-Bullen said.
“We’re really looking forward to second half of the season to get that continuity and continue to build on what our game looks like.
“We’ll continue to take learnings from games like tonight and make sure we use them and give ourselves the best chance to play our best footy in the back half of the season.”
Kuwarna will return to action with a clash against Geelong at Adelaide Oval on Thursday, June 4.
Tickets available here.
