Anglesea coach Jordan Keras confident his Roos can bounce back in 2025

Anglesea coach Jordan Keras is confident his team can go one better in 12 months time after being blown off the park by Torquay in a fizzer of a BFNL grand final.

Not much went right for Anglesea coach Jordan Keras and his Roos on Saturday. Picture: Mark Wilson

Torquay premiership coach Dom Gleeson has paid tribute to his “warrior” Surf Coast rival after his Tigers put in a September masterclass for the second straight year.

The defending champions came into the BFNL grand final against Anglesea after a seven-point qualifying loss a fortnight ago to the Roos.

However, a hotly anticipated decider was something of a fizzer as the Tigers blasted home 10 goals in the third quarter to claim back-to-back flags.

Post-match, Gleeson, who was named the league’s coach of the year for the sixth time on Wednesday night, said his charges had done him proud yet again.

Torquay coach Dom Gleeson has guided his Tigers into three consecutive grand finals. Picture: Mark Wilson

“We talk about family always coming first (at Torquay), this group of men are a ... tight family,” Gleeson said.

“Loved ones right behind them all the time who have ridden every bump, going back to 2022 when we rode it heavy and we locked in together for a couple more years.

“And as a group we’ve won two premierships today.

“’Jordy’ (Keras) talks about being proud and as you should, I don’t think I can explain how proud I am of every single one of you players, support staff and assistant coaches.

“It’s a credit to you boys for buying into the one cause and that’s success, thanks so much.”

Meanwhile, Gleeson said the Roos were tracking in the right direction despite a 62-point loss.

“Jordy and your crew, I’ve said it a number of times, you’re a warrior,” Gleeson said of his opposite number.

“Leading this group to great places.

“As I always say too, you’ve got to lose one to win one, hopefully you’ll do a lot of learning and credit to you and the Anglesea crew.

“It’s a formidable little village down there and you’re only going to get stronger.

“To you and (president) Paul (Nigro), much respect.”

Keras was followed by Torquay’s Chase Loftus all day at Leopold Memorial Park. Picture: Mark Wilson

A shattered Keras spoke from the heart as the Roos’ quest for a 25-year drought-breaking premiership will extend for at least another 12 months.

“Geez it’s tough to lose,” Keras said at the post-match presentation.

“I can’t be prouder of you boys.

“Honestly all year, throughout the whole year, when challenged you guys rose every single time.

“Not our day today, but next year hopefully we’re standing back here and (going) one better.

“Thanks to our fans for coming out today.”

The Roos’ main offensive options in Dylan Pettingill, Tom Couch and Lewis Beers were kept to just a goal between them as the Tigers’ back six thwarted the majority of forward entries.

Keras said the Tigers were worthy winners yet again.

“You boys deserve it this year, you had a great season,” he said.

“It’s bloody hard to win one, let alone two, you should be really proud of yourself, Dom.

“You’ve got a good ship down there.”

Originally published as Anglesea coach Jordan Keras confident his Roos can bounce back in 2025