They came into finals with the most impressive form in the competition, but it meant nothing as Brothers were bundled out of the Group Nine finals race by Albury.
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Coming off consecutive finals losses last season, the Wagga side let a 16-6 lead slip at Greenfield Park on Saturday.
With eight wins in their last nine games, the only loss being a two-point defeat by Gundagai at Anzac Park, confidence was high the Brethren could do plenty of damage from fifth place in the finals.
However they conceded 32 unanswered points to end Peter Little's first season in charge in the first week of finals.
Little said he was "gutted" by the 38-16 loss.
"It was the worst half of footy we've played all year," Little said.
"Unfortunately we saved it for a big game.
"Full credit to Albury, they never gave up, but I think we got a bit too comfortable there in the second half and they came out firing.
"We just didn't keep up with them."
Little thought the side moved away from what was working for them in the first half and allowed Albury's big forward pack to get on top.
The absence of five-eighth Dylan McLachlan was another big blow.
His creativity has been the backbone of their attack since returning to the club this season and his influence was missed.
Little also thought the side struggled to back up last week's 24-16 win over Southcity.
"We put a lot into last week and played it as our first final," he said.
"It was a big game to beat them but it cost us with a few injuries."
Little is yet to decide on where his future lies both as a player and a coach.
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