Grand Final – Geelong v Brisbane: A Grand Final for the purist
A GRAND FINAL FOR THE PURIST
For the first time in the history of the VFL/AFL two of the competitions heavyweights in the 21st century Geelong and Brisbane (Fitzroy) will take centre stage on Saturday at the MCG for the bragging rights of ‘Premiers 2025’.
There was little difference between the two clubs during the home and away season although Geelong had a far better percentage (141.48) against Brisbane’s (114.25).
The Gorillas won by 9 points at the Gabba and 41 points at Kardinia Park. The Pivotonians had their revenge at the qualifying final making short work of the opposition by 38 points.
Little between them on the respective scoreboards.
Geelong will go into the game as outright favourites (not too this little pussy) after that comfortable win three weeks ago but ‘Fagan’s Favourites’ hit back with resounding wins against The Suns and Carringbush.
Both sides have a wealth of experience although the key players on the Bears forward line Logan Morris and Ty Gallop have still not began shaving. They played expertly against a rugged Collingwood defence and came through with flying colours.
This is where the game could be won or lost by the Cats if they can contain these two youngsters without General Tom Stewart and keep Charlie Cameron to just a bit player then victory will be within their grasp.
As the main players in all football games the mid-field duels will dictate the run and flow of the game. Both teams are star studded in this department. Dangerfield was superb last week while McCluggage was stopped magnificently by Oisin Mullin in the qualifying.
Brisbane will play the two ruckman like they effectively did against Collingwood’s big men and much will hinge on whether the Cats go with Rhys Stanley (is he fit?) to join the ever-reliable Mark Blicavs.
Fitness is also a key word for the Lions with Lachie Neale expected to play. However his coach Chris Fagan will not take the chance if he thinks there is some doubt. He is miserable like that other pick pocket from Oliver Twist.
The rest of the midfields are pretty even although I suggest that Tom Atkins could be the key to clearances if he can contain the opposition like he did a fortnight ago. Geelong’s pace out of the centre is a bit quicker than the Lions and this could give greater opportunities up forward.
Geelong’s forward line has proven to be the best in the competition and they were all on song last week with perhaps the exception of Shannon Neale but if he gets a few early grabs then Harris Andrews could have a tough game, that is if he plays on Neale instead of leading goalkicker Jeremy Cameron.
The Pivots little men are sparkling and it will take some cool headed play by their opponents to keep them in check.
I reckon Geelong will win the game by 17 points in what will be a classical game of football coached by two men with history in the making.
WATCH OUT FOR-
Dayne Zorko – one of my favourite players. His magnificent kicking from half back is a real winner and he is a bloody pest.
Max Holmes – the latest ‘Geelong Flyer’. Missed the last premiership and will be keen to amend. His dash will be significant.
Cam Rayner – won the Oscar last time they played so look out for the 4th umpire if the ball is on Fitzroy’s forward line. Type of player to get BOG
Bailey Smith – the recruit of the year. The more you see him the more you realise how good he is.
The Ashcroft brothers (Levi and Will) – Next to the Daicos boys the best brothers in the competition. Will knows all about the big stage and Levi is learning.
Mark Blicavs – the most under rated playing in the competition. Can play anywhere and has beaten the best of the big men throughout the season. If Stanley plays he will be in defence.
Harris Andrews – one of the old style back men who gives nothing away and is a splendid leader
Oisin Mullin (County Mayo)and Mark O’Connor (County Kerry) – love the two Irishmen who do exactly what the coach wants from them. Unheralded but brilliant last time the two teams met.
The Umpires – getting in the way of the players
NOSTRADAMUS:
Geelong 12 – 13 – 85 Brisbane 10 – 8 – 68
Crowd: 99,845
Norm Smith: Tom Atkins (Geelong)
Gary Ayres: Bailey Smith (Geelong)
Snoop Dogg – who cares
More stories from Citrus Bob Utber can be read Here.
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About Bob Utber
At 86 years of age Citrus Bob is doing what he has always done since growing up on a small farm at Lang Lang. Talking, watching and writing sport and in recent years writing books. He lives in Mildura with his very considerate wife (Jenny) and a groodle named 'Chloe on Flinders' and can be found at Deakin 27 every day.
Was wondering what keeps you alive (reckon your Almanac profile has said 84 years of age for the last decade)? I figured it was watching your grandson. But after his Preliminary Final performance he has to be getting monkey glands revitaliser treatment – and you must be snaffling some out of his medicine cabinet. Paddy’s heart belongs alongside Phar Lap’s in the National Museum.
(Wasn’t your first job mucking out Phar Lap’s stable? I know I had a motza on him when he ran last at his first start. Then the trainer had him gelded and he became a champion. The Avenging Eagle says it also worked a treat on me).
Enjoy the big day – I reckon you Pivotonians are good things. (That’s a worry).
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
Thank you CB for your illuminating article re TGTOA v the Brisbane Fireants &
thank you PB for your follow up appraisal & banter.
Couldn’t agree more with your analysis. Blicavs, Atkins, Holmes & co have risen to
superstar status. Patrick D & Jeremy C have always been there.
The Fireants aren’t lacking either with Harris A, Hugh McCluggage (Buggy), the Ashcrofts,the magician
Dwayno, young guns Logan & Tye, Cameron R, Corey A’Chee & Co.
I hope Oisin, Mark , Zach and yourselves will be raging until and into the night & Nostradamus is sure.
Allow Sir Les the last words: Age is just a number. Didn’t it used to be a broadsheet.
The comments below have been typed with heavy hands! Not really.
The Fitzroys, Gorillas, Maroons, Bears and finally Lions showed their class and their kindergarten team to be far better than the Pivotonians. We battled hard in the first half but the feeling was that the Roy Boys had not hit their straps. What a second half they played led by that bloody Dayne Zorko. I would have him in my team any day and what about those three pups who’s dads once played for them? Ashcrofts x 2, and Fletcher. They are still wearing nappies and young Willy has 2 Norm Smiths’.
Well, there is always next year, the year after etc etc but these young Lions certainly head the pack> Well played.
Now for the GREAT game – cricket