It was a gut-wrenching end to outstanding season for the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night, going down to Adelaide in an elimination final by seven points.

Dogs midfielder Liam Picken said there were mixed feelings in the rooms post-match, with senior coach Luke Beveridge reminding the players how far they have come in season 2015.

“It’s a really empty feeling down here, we’re really disappointed,” Picken said post-match speaking with 3AW.

“We had our opportunities so we’re all hurting.

“He’s (Beveridge) sort of torn between disappointment and pride for how far we’ve performed this year.

“He praised the effort today, we’ve just got to work on a few things like composure.”

Picken’s form this season matched that of his team, and says he is grateful for the opportunity to develop his role.

Evidently disappointed with the result on Saturday night, Picken also said it was important the group took time to reflect, but then quickly moved their focus to being bigger and better next season.

“The first two years (of his career) I was pretty lucky, I played in two prelim finals so to come back to the finals and lose again, leaves a sour taste in your mouth.

“Personally it was probably my best season, to be able to learn to play different positions and perform is good.

“Losing like this makes everyone hurt, we’ve just all got to go away and work on the things that let us down tonight.

“I’m really confident that the whole group, especially a young group, can come back even better next year.”