A gallant Australian men's volleyball team have lost to Japan in five sets at the World League finals on the Gold Coast.
There was nothing between the sides, with the Volleyroos twice clawing their way back only to fall short 18-16 in the fifth to the reigning Asian champions.
The result means they now take on Netherlands on Sunday for the bronze medal, while Japan meet the impressive Slovenians for the gold and the World League Group Two title.
Australia found themselves trailing for most of the opening set but solid work from their most capped player, Nathan Roberts, saw the team edge back to win important points late to win 25-23.
Japan dominated the second set 25-18 but the third set was tight, the visitors eventually prevailing 25-23.
An enthusiastic crowd helped lift the Volleyroos in the fourth set, with captain Paul Carroll and Berlin teammate, Libero Luke Perry, showing their class to help Australia take the set 25-22 to level the match at 2-all.
The fifth set went point-for-point, with the Australians leading early, before Japan levelled at 8-all. From that stage it was an arm wrestle, Japan eventually holding their nerve to win.
"It was a great match today, with great atmosphere here in the gym," Australian coach Mark Lebedew said.
"We were a little bit up and down on both sides but I think we really fought really hard to come back after two sets that weren't really good. The team had great spirit and willingness to fight.
"We ended up being unlucky but we played a great game today. I am really proud of the guys and the way they stuck with it in difficult moments.
"It will be good for us as we go into the future."
Roberts finished as Australia's highest point scorer with 24, while Carroll had 22.
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