Wade Ormsby was determined to stay positive after a late double-bogey scuppered his hopes of claiming a second European Tour title at the ISPS Handa Vic Open.
The home favourite entered the final day at 13th Beach Golf Club with a two-shot lead and he was still in front as he stood on the 17th tee after making three early birdies and then 11 straight pars.
In the penultimate group, David Law had moved within two with a birdie on the 16th and when he put his second on the last to eight feet for a stunning eagle and a share of the lead, the cheers could be heard on the 17th as Ormsby waited to tee off.
His tee-shot went a long way left and when he failed to find the putting surface with his second, he needed an eagle of his own to force a play-off.
The 38 year old left himself a long putt from the fringe but had to settle for a birdie and a share of second alongside countryman Brad Kennedy.
Despite that disappointment, Ormsby was left to reflect on a productive week that moves him into the top 30 in the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex.
"I've got to try to take the positives from it," he said. "I'm disappointed, for sure, what can I say? It would have been nice to win on home soil.
"The game feels strong. I probably had a lot of chances to put everyone away early with the putter and it's not like I putted bad, they just didn't drop.
"Obviously on 17 it's kind of just frustrating missing one there, I knew I couldn't miss it there but anyway, that's the way it is."
Kennedy shared the lead when he holed with a hybrid from off the green on the 16th but he bogeyed the 17th to claim his fourth second-place finish on the European Tour and first since 2004.
"I just gave myself great opportunities," he said. "It was nice to be in the challenge at home. I only get a chance to play four or five events at home, so it was nice to be home, play some golf courses.
"And the crowds are great, so it's nice to try to play some good golf in front of them."
