The Glen Innes Celts have bowed out of the AFL North West under 14 season after a minor semi-final loss to the Inverell Saints.
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The Celts were downed 12.16-88 to 2.2-14 but "played a good game" according to coach Aaron Harvey.
"It was a good contest, it is always good to play against Inverell," he said.
"I think it has still been a successful season.
"It was great to have footy up and running and to give the kids something to do over the time period."
Harvey was hard-pressed in finding a highlight or standout moment of the season, instead listing plenty of positives including the relief of actually having a sport to play this year.
"I can't pick one out, just the determination and the kids' willingness to learn," he said.
"All the kids had a red hot crack this year and that is all that matters in my opinion.
"A highlight is the sportsmanship that has been involved by the kids, it is a credit to them to hold that sportsmanship right through.
"It has been good to see the younger kids to grow and advance in the game and the older bunch to step up and take lead."
The Celts' under 17s still have one more game to play after the Moree Suns forfeited the minor semi-final, giving the Glen Innes side automatic qualification for the preliminary final.
They will head to Tamworth this Saturday to play the Roosters for the chance to make the grand final.
They will have their final training run at King George Oval on Friday evening and it is expected they will have their full squad available for the do-or-die clash.
The Auskick program will also continue to hit the park with two more weeks to run.
Harvey said there will be a club presentation with a date to be finalised.
He's also thankful for the support the club has received about the town.
"A big thanks to all our sponsors and supporters that have jumped on board again this year in the tough times, can't run a club without them, so we are very grateful for them to stick by us and give us a chance to play this year," Harvey said.