By Rod Oaten
Geelong 20.14 (134) d Essendon 11.4 (70)
I had my misgivings about this match, first of
all it’s at Docklands, I can’t recall what they call it these days and
frankly don’t care either . This Docklands “Fish Bowl” is a crap ground
as far as I’m concerned. Let’s face it there are plenty of footy
grounds that are good to watch our great game, and this is not one of
them. The first would have to be the Essendon ground, standing in
front of the Dick Reynolds Stand against the fence was fantastic
especially after a win, the Port Melbourne Oval was full of atmosphere,
especially the day Coburg got up to win by less than a goal and Phil
Cleary blew kisses to the Borough supporters. The Woodfull-Miller oval
at Melbourne High School, The Melbourne University Ground , the Lorne
football oval and all the other old VFL and VFA grounds were good to
watch our game and the” G” is great every time.
The Partner was coming with me, she is a born again
Geelong fan, actually she has always supported them but after 30+ years
of disappointment she has kept it pretty quiet. Her brother is a
different kettle of fish altogether, for all the years I have known
him he has tried to convince me that each particular year was going
to be Geelong‘s year. It was hard not to be slightly emotional for him
after the 2007 Grand Final. But back to The Partner, the last few
times we have been to an Essendon v Geelong game, the results have been
disastrous for the Dons which is a bit disconcerting , but you
banish these feelings and reckon there is new hope this year
It’s a bit misty as we jump on the tram, and
down to the ground behind Spencer Street. We get there early because
you regularly hear horror stories of thousands of people trying to get
through one entrance, because of cost cutting, and missing most of the
first half. The mist is clearing , the sun is out and watching the Dons
warm up, things look pretty good. But Geelong look good too and the
Partner looks confident.
The game starts and the Dons move the ball forward
and Jay Neagle kicks a good opening goal. We have hit the front, but
before I have a chance to get carried away the Geelong Machine gets
moving with the skill and pressure and not only match the early goal
by Essendon but kick plenty of there own. Luckily their accuracy
wasn’t the best , which sort of made us look a bit better than we
really were. The Dons are tackling and chasing all to no avail , second
to the ball, playing from behind and misdirecting hand balls and kicks,
this is a replay of Round 2, 2008!
The carnage continues, so by half time the only
interesting thing happening were the comments of a Geelong fan behind
us who added some well needed humour. The Partner had a contented smile
on her face, but said she would be happier if Geelong were further in
front! Further in front , at this stage they are about 8 goals up and
and it looks like they are having a training run. The Dons have a total
of three majors and as they move off the ground , Geelong have 12 and a
heap of points. I’m at a loss as to what the Essendon Brains Trust can
do.
If I thought it couldn’t get worse, I will have
to think again, the Dons to their credit keep trying , but Geelong are
just playing at another level, far too good at everything. We managed
to get a goal or two but at three-quarter time, its Essendon5 goals 3
to Geelong 17.13. I have real fears that it will be another thrashing
like last year, and I thought that the Dons had improved! Can I stand
to sit through another 30+ minutes, of course I can, but I reckon lots
of the Essendon fans have called it quits. Anyway , The Partner, for
some unknown reason is enjoying it, although always fearing the worst
being a Geelong supporter, says that she would still be happier to have
a few more goals on the board .
The sun has moved behind the roof so that made
watching the game a little easier, and The Dons have got a bit of
direction in their game. Their efforts are putting a few goals on the
board, making our score vaguely respectable, but it’s still no
contest. What I was enjoying , in this back to reality game for The
Dons, was watching Steve Johnson play his own little game with the
Essendon defenders. With his knock kneed legs barely moving faster than
a slow shuffle and his lay back attitude he seemed to be having great
fun just muckin’ around the forward line for Geelong, kicking goals
from impossible angles. What a talent he is. Essendon get a couple of
late goals and the siren at last puts me out of my agony.
Final scores are Essendon 11.4 to Geelong 20.14 .
I suspect the cats eased off in the last quarter. The Dons didn’t stop
trying all day, and I was really cheesed off when some of the Essendon
barrackers gave some of the players the Bronx cheer. They tried the”
Bums Off”, they were just outclassed.
Comparing todays game to last year, Geelong far
far too good again and Essendon about a 10% improvement, But hope
springs eternal and next week against Adelaide we will bounce back.
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Rod, for the Bombers the one good things is ‘Thank heavens it wasn’t a final!’ I thought our youngsters looked a bit overawed- need to toughen up a lot, but at least can see what is required to become premiereship material. I love Jay Neagle as I loved hid dad ‘Swervin.’ Bit of strength and fire in the belly. Crunch game against the Crows, Here’s hoping we bounce back.
FOLKS, we let them kick too big a score.
The Gliders’ three first half goals was quite sufficient.
Inevitably, I suppose, with Tommy Harley off and Taylor playing injured, they were going to get a few more goals.
But wasn’t it delightful Scarlo buzzing in Lloyd’s ear the whole day and allowing him just one, measly major. Always terrific to see the AFL’s most consistent supplicant to the umpires have such a miserable day.
You can’t get a better Sunday than that — belting the Gliders by close to 11 goals and Lloyd being soundly whipped !
I was thinking about that first goal of Neagle’s. It was as if there was a swarm of bees all buzzing contentedly, up close and personal with each other, and then the Bombers gave the swarm an almighty whack with that first goal and got it angry! It was ninety minutes before the swarm calmed down again!!! An awesome football team.