Almanac Preliminary Final – Sydney v Collingwood: What a ride…

 

 

 

I’m not going to lie. That hurt.

 

And yes, I know if you are one of the countless Carlton supporters who messaged me after the game, you are probably relishing the Magpies falling at the last hurdle. Gloating that it’s justice to lose like that after we robbed the Blues of the chance to compete in the finals.

 

I agree.

 

Last night’s killer Preliminary Final was the only other way this roller-coaster ride of a season could have possibly ended in the fairytale that is the 2022 Collingwood Season (other than beating our Geelong-nemesis in the big one next week…).

 

In a season which produced 11 wins by 11 points or less (poetic number isn’t it?), and kept us yelling and screaming to the final second, the script was never going to be for an easy slide into the Grand Final. Still, 2022 will remain a big one in the memory of Pies supporters, despite not getting a ticket to the final game of the year. There were so many remarkable moments to replay and relive during the off-season.

 

Darcy Moore streaking away, hair flowing, from the Pendlebury kick-in to a passage of play which ended with Jamie Elliot marking between a sea of black and red, to kick a miracle goal from the 50m and steal a victory after the siren.

 

Beating the 2021 Premiers twice throughout the season gave us hope that maybe we were up to the challenge this season. Winning what will be the last Queen’s birthday match – set to be the King’s birthday next year.

 

Watching the arrival of Nick Daicos, a young-gun, who shows passion for his club and an innate ability to play this game we all love. The Daicos brothers on the field together….what a sight!

 

Jack Ginnivan and his shock of blonde hair, kicking 5 goals in the ANZAC Day match to pick up the ANZAC Day medal. He has shown grit and courage, above and beyond his 19 years, in the face of a media barrage about ducking….ironic considering how many others have made it a trade-mark over the years.

 

The list could go for hours: listening to Craig McRae’s measured and positive press conferences after watching his absolute joy and passion on the sidelines; Sidey coming back into his own again this year; Mason Cox’s tweets; the skill of Jack Crisp; the steadfast brilliance of Pendlebury; THAT Josh Daicos goal!

 

But with every up there has to be a down, and last night there were tears. Not only from my boy, who at 8 years old, rides every win and loss with his heart on his sleeve. We were all gutted by the 6-point loss in the Qualifying Final and last night’s one-point loss to Sydney was heart-breaking. We were disappointed, but we were proud of the boys in equal measure…and surely that is the sign of a successful year.

 

When I asked my son this morning what the highlight of the season was, he told me it was the kick after the siren by Jamie Elliot to beat Essendon and watching the boys celebrate on the sidelines. But then he paused and looked at me with narrowed eyes and a slight grin. “Beating Carlton in the last round was pretty good too!” And there it is. The hope and joy of football again, and a rivalry continuing for the next generation.

 

He’s off outside with a footy in hand to practice his snaps like Peter Daicos. For now though, we will follow the Pies women in the AFLW and re-watch the 2022 season highlights. Bring on 2023.

 

C’arn the Pies!

 

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Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

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