IN the end the fairytale was a step too far for the Newcastle Jets, who fell to Melbourne Victory at the final hurdle.

Despite a record crowd of 29,410 at McDonald Jones Stadium urging their team on, the Jets simply couldn’t overcome this experienced Victory side, eventually losing the grand final 1-0 after Kosta Barbarouses’ controversial first half goal proved decisive.

It was almost the perfect story; last season’s wooden-spooners with a chance to claim the title just 12 months later, but the dream was spoiled by Kevin Muscat’s Victory.

DISAPPOINTMENT: Misfiring Jets left wondering what if

HOT OR NOT: A-League grand final player ratings

WATCH: Jets star’s shocking kung fu blow

MERRICK: What’s the point of the VAR?

That’s not to take anything away from the visitors, who have become the A-League’s most successful team by claiming their fourth championship. And to do it after finishing the season in fourth place is some achievement, even if the finals series isn’t the most accurate reflection of the season as a whole.

The Jets, led by Ernie Merrick, can be mighty proud of their season and there wouldn’t have been a single Novocastrian leaving the stadium on Saturday night who didn’t acknowledge that fact. It was a proud night in the Hunter and the buzz it created in the region will leave a lasting legacy.

Unfortunately it ended in ugly scenes, Roy O’Donovan sent off for a hideously high boot on Lawrence Thomas.

Indeed it was the Jets against Thomas for much of the game. The home side created the better opportunities in the first half, with Ronny Vargas and Dimi Petratos in particular showing the type of form that has defined the Jets all season.

But there was just no way through the gloves of Thomas. After a flurry of chances the Victory goalkeeper first kept out Roy O’Donovan’s effort, before he turned into a version of Gianluigi Buffon later in the half to deny Riley McGree, then somehow managed to deflect the follow up from Jason Hoffman.

Led and inspired by Thomas, the Victory’s defence was impenetrable. But they wouldn’t have gone into the break without a touch of fortune, and it came through the VAR. In the ninth minute Barbarouses gave the visitors the lead, via a deflection off John Koutroumbis, after a Leroy George free kick was headed down to him by James Donachie. Donachie was clearly in an offside position, but the goal stood despite the VAR’s intervention. It was a clear and obvious error, so the decision was a baffling one.

Still, there was enough time in the first half for the Jets to get themselves back in the game, but with the Victory sitting so deep it was tough for the home side to break through.

There was a slight drop in pace from Victory in the second half, hardly surprising after the previous weekend’s effort against Sydney FC left them spent both physically and emotionally. But they made up for it with experience, by thoroughly closing down and nullifying the Jets.

MELBOURNE VICTORY 1 (Kosta Barbarouses 9m) NEWCASTLE JETS 0 at McDonald Jones Stadium. Crowd: 29,410. Referee: Jarred Gillett.