Cometh the hour, Cometh the Man

By Michael Smith

One of the great moments in footy which I was fortunate enough to have the pleasure of witnessing.

Saturday, U12’s Grand Final Blackburn v Croydon

Burners (Blackburn) 5 points down with 40 seconds left on the clock, boundary throw in right forward pocket 20 metres from Blackburn goal, Jack Roberts (rucking tirelessly) makes front position, lumbering Croydon big man stumbles, falls into Jack and umpire calls the free kick.

Jack lines up from 25-30m out on a 45 degree angle and goes BANG, straight over the goal umpys head like he has no doubt dreamt on many occasions and Burners in front by 1 point with 30 seconds to go.

Frantic Burner’s coach bursting blood vessels on the bench with calls to stack the backline, hit the boundary and go the knuckle (no time on in juniors !).  Siren sounds and the boys have won the biggest prize from the almost impossible position, an elimination final, first semi, prelim preparation.

Jack Roberts described the moment post match as the best of his life but we all know who really had the best moment –  Robbo !!!! (Jack’s proud Dad and coach).

Congratulations and enjoy those raspberry cordials with the boys

 

(PS – young Jack Roberts is the nephew of a bloke called Paul Van Der Haar who could play a bit I reckon)

 

Comments

  1. I was waiting for the “……and then he woke up” but it never came. This magnificent conclusion is EVERY young boy’s dream.

  2. Ahh, the “go the knuckle” instruction received clarity when you mentioned there is a family link to Van Der Haar.

    A great player who loved it tough, and took as much as he gave.

  3. Pete – ‘Go the knuckle’ comment made very tongue-in-cheek – just to be clear!

    Loved watching Van Der Haar play.

  4. @Dips – was taking it as such.

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