While they missed out on playing in the finals because of the COVID-19 lockdown, the under 18s Bathurst Panthers are looking back on the 2021 season as a positive one.
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Panthers ended the abandoned season in second place, behind undefeated ladder leaders Orange CYMS, who had already won the minor title before the COVID-19 lockdown.
While disappointed his team missed out on giving CYMS a run for their money in the finals, halfback Jackson Carter was ultimately pleased with second place.
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"Being second on the ladder at the season's end was a pretty good achievement I think, with all the ups and downs we had during the season," he said.
"I think it was a pretty good way to finish.
"I think we could have given CYMS a fairly good run for their money in the finals, with them beating us twice [during the regular season]."
Carter's father Mick, who coaches the team, was also pleased with how the team finished this season.
"We had a fairly stop-start competition because we didn't have the magic round like the seniors and bye when the reserves were still playing," he said.
"There were a few times when we would play and then have a few weeks off.
"We couldn't get much momentum going, so I'm highly impressed and happy with how they performed."
The coach admitted that the team will lose a number of players, but he's confident he can continue to build the team next season with what he'll retain and the talent that will progress from the under 16s.
"A majority of that side was from the 16s last year," he said.
"Most will stay on but I'll lose the likes of Charlie Hutchings, Evan Cafe and Jia Siakisoni. I might lose eight all up to the senior ranks, but the previous year, the under 16s were undefeated premiers, so it's looking good going forward."
Carter believed Thomas Lemmich was the standout player in the team.
"For his first year in 18s, he's backed up and played reserve grade and been on the bench in first grade," he said.
"He's a classy footballer. He's probably been the standout for us throughout the year."
Panthers finished the season with six wins, three losses and a draw, with the last game played a 12-8 win over Mudgee on Saturday, August 14.
Panthers were six points behind CYMS with a round to play before the lockdown happened, meaning there was no chance of the Bathurst club claiming the minor premiership.
Cowra finished just one point behind in third.
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