AUSSIE RULES: After making the AFL Capricornia grand final in season 2016, Gladstone Mudcrabs found the going tough the following year.

Upon the completion of this season, Muddies finished equal bottom on the ladder with Glenmore Bulls, winning just three games and losing 12.

Gladstone Mudcrabs lost the final five matches of the season.

But the green-and-whites found joy in a nail-biting three-point triumph against arch-rivals BITS Saints after Ben Dempsey's after-the-siren shot on goal hit the post at Clinton Oval that would've otherwise inflicted another loss.

Mudcrabs lost a host of players for due to varying reasons, but began in competitive fashion along with an element of bad luck in the first three rounds.

A one-point loss to Rockhampton Panthers, in which Stephen Eilola did all he could with seven goals for the Muddies, preceded further losses to Rockhampton Kangaroos (by 14 points), where Gladstone led by 10 points at three-quarter-time, and a 20-point defeat against Glenmore Bulls.

Muddies were win-less before their round six match against Rocky Panthers.

But a nine-goal haul to Eilola sparked Gladstone to a spirit-lifting 25-point win against Panthers and earmarked Eilola as arguably the best key forward in the competition.

Mudcrabs made it two wins from three games when they beat Bulls by 40-points in round eight with Eilola bagging 10 and Sam Schofield best afield.

Yeppoon Swans were Muddies' next opponent and they did what they usually do and that is thrash teams and despite four goals from Eilola, Gladstone were thumped by 108 points.

The Observer sports editor Nick Kossatch speaks with Mudcrabs president Josh Roati about the season.

Positives: "The U17 players that have come up and played senior football this year which will only help their progression over the next few years,” Roati said.

"Recruitment of new players throughout all grades with a large number of previous players moving town and making finals in women's, reserves and U17.

"Great numbers in our U9, U11 and U13s which is the future of the club.

"Individual achievements by Steve Eilola who is runner-up A-grade goal-kicker, Zac Jahn (BnF Reserve Grade and leading Goal Kicker, Fraser Bishop (BnF U/17's) Jamie Hill (Leading Goal Kicker U/17's).”

Negatives: "Not making finals in Seniors after playing in the Grand Final last year,” Roati said.

"The consistency of players available when traveling due to other commitments meant it was hard to field the same team each week.”

Season summary: "After a tough off season where we had a large majority of our playing group through all grades move, we were able to find a large base of new players. As the season went on we seen the progression and improvement of these players, resulting in us being a much more competitive. Resulting in wins against rivals Bits in our annual charity match and Panthers at home. Hopefully we will retain most of these players which will allow us to build into the 2018 season and try to reach finals and have a crack at win the big prize.”

2018 crystal ball: "It is very early to be calling what 2018 brings, but I would like to see us use this year as a rebuilding year considering we had significant numbers of first year players and really start to build a good solid core of players that will play numerous season together and build those team and friendship bonds that last a lifetime.”

Biggest improver: "The U/17 team ventured back into the finals and made a prelim final after a few tough years. We have some talent coming through with a numerous guys playing senior football and excelling on and off the field.”

SEASON STATS

PLAYERS:

Most games: Brandon Gilchrist (15)

Most goals: Stephen Eilola (61)

TEAM:

Finished: Fifth (W: 3, L: 12)

Points for: 871

Points against: 1403 (-532)