Entering Saturday's grand final favoured to reach the pinnacle off one of the most scintillating campaigns in recent memory, Sydney have suddenly been plunged into an off-season of heartbreak and reflection for all involved.
As happens every year on the grand stage, players will forever ponder moments and efforts they would love to have back, while coaches consider what could've been.
No particular element of game style or list make up cost Sydney the flag, as they were trounced in all notable aspects of the game by a hungry Lions' side who were up for a fiercer fight than their minor-premier opponent.
The side's biggest strength; their three-headed midfield monster, were out-gritted and outclassed by the seasoned professionals roaming through Brisbane's trenches, Lachie Neale, Will Ashcroft, Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage.
One concern heading into the match which reared it's ugly head was the advantage Brisbane held with their defensive stocks up against the key forward combination of Logan McDonald, Joel Amartey and Hayden McLean, who combined for just 15 disposals and one solitary behind.
Brandon Starcevich, Harris Andrews and Ryan Lester had their way with the forward mix for Sydney, swallowing countless long balls inside the Swans' forward 50 and launching countless Lion attacks.
McDonald suffered an ankle sprain and was ruled out of the match early, while neither Amartey or McLean could stand up and claim the number one mantle for the day.
With the explosive mosquito-fleet patrolling the ground-level inside 50, the Swans could greatly benefit by fielding a more competitive key forward to stand up as the number one man, providing a more damaging presence in marking contests for Tom Papley, Will Hayward and the smalls to capitalise on.
McDonald and Amartey are both signed away at the club for at least the next two seasons, potentially raising concerns if a need for change is recognised.
Sydney's undersized defence had thrived all season long on being able to scrap away in defence and bring the ball to ground routinely, where the dashers go to work.
Dane Rampe, Nick Blakey and Jake Lloyd have been versatile stalwarts capable of shutting down contests and exploding the other way, though each were exposed at times fighting the bigger frames for the Lions up forward, notably Joe Daniher and Logan Morris.
Tom McCartin carries the bulk of the key defensive load at Sydney and usually does an exceptional job; though grand final history may now suggest he could use some assistance in their tall defender stocks.
Lewis Melican was an admirable backup key defender this season, playing out probably a career-best year, but could not impact much at all on Saturday.
The loss sheds light on Sydney's flaws, which seem abundant following that performance. From a contractual lens, there are no glaring signatures needed ahead of 2025, and some list calls may come over the next few days regarding some fringe players coming out of contract, including veteran forward Sam Reid.
All-Australian midfielder Chad Warner has a year remaining on his deal, with mammoth offers set to come to lure the West Australian out of Sydney.
There is no suggestion that Warner is disgruntled or seeking a change, though a handsome offer to extend his stay would likely have reached his desk already, and the longer he remains unsigned beyond next season, the longer the speculation will continue.
Veterans Dane Rampe, Luke Parker, Jake Lloyd, Lewis Melican and Robbie Fox also come out of contract next year, Parker being the biggest story of the lot with some speculating his potential rival venture to North Melbourne.
The club will be quick to extend Braeden Campbell and James Jordon - two more expiring contracts next season - before rival offers potentially present.
There is plenty to ponder for Sydney ahead of 2025 if they seek to climb the summit again and go one further. A potentially more active off-season than planned may come for John Longmire and the Swans as they look to rejuvenate and fight for redemption after yet another gutting grand final defeat.
