FEARLESS 2019 Round 22: Scorpions “Winds of Change” – the theme of SA footy?
Due to an enforced absence as a result of internet scammers, I’m happy to say I’m back. Can’t say the same for Ross Lyon, the 4th coach to fall in 2019. I’d actually say Ross has done a good job rebuilding Freo but maybe the club decided it’s time for a fresh voice. Sometimes that’s necessary and yep it’s part of the furniture in footy. Nobody has a mortgage on any job, possibly not even Clarko with 4 premierships to his name. He is, however, of course answerable to Jeff!
Gil, on the other hand, thinks it’s ok for the AFL CEO to say where players should be playing. Mmm old news…yeah maybe…potential breach of protocol for AFL CEO. Stephen Coniglio may yet take Gil’s advice and stay at the Giants. Not really a good look is it? Credit to Gil…the game is in pretty good hands but sometimes you have to wonder what on hell he’s thinking!
At least Roughy’s farewell game got most punters a chance to enjoy a feel good story..the end comes for all. And many don’t get a say when their time is up. Just today Jordan Lewis, Michael Rischitelli, David Myers, Andy Otten…and of course Roughy. Stay tuned there’ll be more..
AFL would never have scheduled 17th v 15th for the Friday night game of the 2nd last round when the fixture came out. To the dismay of the Melbourne FC that they got the Swans when they were freed up to just play without any finals pressure. Bang! Swans by how far…Dees poor. BOG De Niro, Hathaway in The Intern on other TV channel.
Battle of the interim coaches at the G saw some serious sunshine-affected plays as Carlton hosted the Saints. Ratten’s Saints looked good for three qtrs until the Teague Train went up a cog. Blues’ last qtrs have seen much promise. Even more promise from the other “more fitter” McGovern with 3. Harry McKay’s sealer a classic. Blues 10pts.
Finals’ Preview 1: Brisbane v Geelong at the Gabba in 28 degrees. Some ex-Cat McCarthy heroics at the death saw Lions get home by 1pt. A packed Gabba and wayward Danger didn’t help the Cats. Geelong led for most part but Charlie Cameron bobs in like a livewire with 5. Martin controlled rucks, Cats conceded last 3 majors.
Collingwood travels well. With or without injuries. A trip to face the Crows shaped as season defining for both teams on the cusp of the finals. A win by the Pies by 66pts speaks volumes for both teams. Don Pyke’s rate of hair loss grows by the day…the Crows were outworked and made to look 2nd rate. Jamie Elliott 5. Hot pies in a picnic!
North supporters wanted more than 1 goal against Port at Marvel on Saturday night. They got far better. Roos by 86pts: 144 to 58, definitive team response for new coach Shaw and headaches for Port coach Hinkley. Ben Brown 10 goals, but Goldstein stole the show, a vintage display. Polec and Pittard showed their old team up. Power shocker.
Bombers sought redemption for fans/ coach Woosha who’d borne the brunt of last week’s debacle. A trip to play Freo at Optus heightened by last games for local faves Sandi and Ballaz. Bombers’ controlled for most, realigning Bombers’ finals hopes. Freo dominated ball use. Dons 32pts but Zaka down. Sandi/Ballaz shoulder ride a classic.
Finals’ Preview 2: Richmond v West Coast saw the Eagles off to a flyer at the G, leading by 4 goals at qtr time. A Dimma tweak and then came the Tigers, aided by the local showers. 6.3 to 10.9 after qtr time in Tigers’ favour. The Dusty show. Scores tied at 27min of last then Jumping Jack kicks winner. Tigers 6pts. ‘Studs up’ stupidity – typical.
Finals’ Preview 3…surprisingly: Giants hosted the Bulldogs and looked like they held the edge early in the 3rd and then the Dogs went up a cog en route to a 61pt win. Who tipped that, outside the Doggie faithful…5.6 in the 3rd to 0.4 and 5.3 to 0.1 in the last. It was Doggie delight. Love Schache 3, J Macrae 39stats..Leon’s Ferrari needs work.
And then there was Roughy…Hawks’ much loved veteran got the send off for the ages with 6 goals whilst his team ran rings around the Suns by 70pts. Even the Gold Coast felt like they did their part under former Hawk Stewart Dew. No side ever lies down but…could it have been scripted better. Hanley, Worpel 34 each. Roughy next week..?
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About Paul Thomson
I’ve never really understood the animosity that Lyon seemed to be able to induce in so many.
The last weekend of footy was a cracker, but it also had the effect of highlighting what much of the season has lacked. I think the fixture is a real issue.
Cheers
There’s such a thing as a coach being too long at a club. The players become sick of the same old, same old. Case in point, back at end of ’56, although Jack Oatey had been Norwood’s coach for 10 years, delivering 3 premierships and, I think, 4 runner ups. However, Oatey realized he had lost the players and resigned and transferred to West Adelaide (runners up twice to Port in 4 years there). Nineteen years old Haydn Bunton Jr.took over the reins for ’57 – result, another runner -up.
Alan Killigrew is another case in point. Taking over the head jog in ’59 (from Bunton), the Legs just missed the finals, were runners up to North in ’60, runners up to West in ’61 and lost to West again in the ’62 prelim final. Sensing his “hot gospel” way of coaching was losing its effect, Killa moved on to greener pastures.
I believe both Adelaide and Port Adelaide have some very serious thinking to do in regards of who will be their next leaders next season. Let’s hope they get it right.