Cam Hooke’s Collingwood Life: Fabulous team in a fabulous Preliminary Final in a fabulous season

 

 

 

 

 

True Believers, now, I know I said “see you next year” from my phone already, but I didn’t want to seem churlish, so a final email for Season 2022.

 

Again, what a fabulous game. What a fantastic performance. You’ll note I’ve avoided the “what if” and criticisms that you could fairly easily pursue, particularly at critical times like the last couple of minutes, for example). To understand my reluctance go to the Coach’s post-match interview at www.afl.com.au/video/845689/full-post-match-r20-magpies?videoId=845689&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1663412701001&references=AFL_MATCH:4768. What a fabulous year? And well done, Ump, for giving Jack a Free when a Swan tried to rip his head off – “good decision, sir”.

 

Match Report – www.afl.com.au/afl/matches/4768.

 

Interestingly, this was a battle between two teams each of which has a pile of young players, unlike Geelong, for example. I’d be very surprised to see much of Buddy in the future, though the rest will be there; like us.

 

Statistics. No point looking at the final game statistics. This was a game played in two halves – they demolished us in Q1 and 2, we reciprocated in 3 and 4, nearly exactly. I take my hat off, particularly, to Cox and Cameron who fought long and hard in the ruck role, as long as they could. I loved the way time stood still when Pendles got the ball. I would never pick ‘Best’ for this game – I think everyone had moments of glory for which they can be hugely proud. I know we are.

 

It’s been a fantastic season to be a Pies’ supporter. The team has played exciting, enjoyable, watchable footy. They’ve looked like they were enjoying their footy. I hope they keep it up.

 

I look forward to 2023. And don’t forget the AFLW – go to www.afl.com.au/fixture?Competition=3&CompSeason=51&MatchTimezone=MY_TIME&Regions=2&ShowBettingOdds=1&GameWeeks=4&Teams=19&Venues=3#byround. Go get em, girls. Bummer – Adelaide 2.9.21 just beat us 2.4.16.

 

Now, the ‘dark ages’ – that period between the end of one season and the start of the next pre-season. As an aside, living as we do in Rugby League bush heartland, the Specky Magee stories ( written by Garry Lyon) made an appearance in the local school library. No-one here had heard of him. I certainly had. If you need a book (or seven) to read to your grandchildren I recommend them – actually to kids of all ages.

 

Grannie? I think Geelong will Win fairly easily. Your thoughts?

 

See you next year.

 

Believe, always. Go Pies

 

Cam