He was reflecting on another chance missed to create their own slice of history and seal a first flag for the Lions since 2011.

A six-goals-to-one final quarter from Leeton-Whitton put paid to those hopes in a 41-point loss.

The Lions won four-straight premierships from 2008 to 2011, but have exited the competition at the preliminary final stage in two of the past three years.

"We need to start building our own success, we can't hang off those golden years and we have to start kicking into gear instead of falling just short," he said.

"We have to put our finger on what's going wrong and I don't think it's a hell of a lot, just little things.

"This year was different having so many local blokes come back, it was a really good vibe and a chance to forge a good memory.

"We probably let it slip and maybe think in a few years' time we'll reflect on an opportunity missed."

The Lions were made to pay for woeful finishing, booting 5.16, with Walsh also praising Crows forward Cooper Sharman's impressive three-goal performance.

"(Dan) Foley tried his heart out on him but when he gets to a certain height you can't touch him," he said. But they won the midfield battle late and we were out on our feet.

"I haven't seen too much of him, but reading all the newspaper articles I believe the hype after seeing firsthand what he did today."

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