Round 14 – West Coast v Essendon: BJ in good form

 

 

West Coast versus Essendon
6:10 pm, Thursday, June 21, 2018
Optus Stadium, Perth

 

After having finished working at 4 pm, I was riding a bike to Umekoji Park to practise footy. I had missed practising footy because of the earthquake and rains.

 

On the way to the park, I started thinking of the former Saint, Brendon Goddard, including his sprays on field in the Anzac Day clash.

 

How would BJ perform in Perth that night? Would he be yelling at the boys on the footy field?

 

I looked forward to watching the game.

 

It was the my first  practice in the week. Focusing on dropping ball before kicking and trying not to throw up the ball. It was okay, but the turf conditions were not good.

 

The game had already started when I got out of the shower. Having dinner and washing my clothes, I had left home just before they went on the main break.

 

I sat down on a bridge close to a bus stop where I could get free wifi. I was surprised the Bombers led by 40 points at the time.

 

But the Eagles built a tough back line. It was hard for both teams to score goals.

 

I was wondering where Goddard was. Here he was in the back line and he kicked accurately to his teammates.

 

Seeing his good performances made me feeling nostalgic. I wish he could have been a one club player at St Kilda.

 

Unlike Milne, Kosi, Hayes, Fisher, Riewoldt and Montagna, BJ chose the money and more opportunity to win the flag at the Bomberland. And the circumstances to cross the club was different from Dal Santo.

 

Not following loyalty that Grant Thomas implemented at the club and players around his age kept was the reason why I hated BJ. And his grumpy and arrogant attitudes added my negative image of him.

 

However his positive sides were discovered by reading his close friend Saint Nick’s biography. Also his smile was found in a picture in the book. Then I started liking BJ.

 

He is described as a detective by Rooey and reads the game well so that he kicks to right players.

 

Such skills are lacked amongst the current St Kilda squad. He demonstrates good leadership skills too.

 

I think the Saints would be better if Brendon still played for St Kilda. Why didn’t our list management do their best to keep him? If BJ was a captain years ago at St Kilda, we wouldn’t have leadership issues today.

 

No one can change the past, I know. My point here is complimenting BJ’s good skills. And I want my boys to learn from the former Saint.

 

Other than BJ, the game was more defensive in the last half. I sense footy in 2018 is more defensive comparing the last few years. I prefer attacking footy more. Maybe clubs set strategies to beat sexy footy implemented in 2016 by the Western Bulldogs.

 

Buffering while watching the game at workplace (I had to attend the late night work meeting that I dislike) missed me watching Bombers scoring some goals. I hate buffering while watching my beloved footy. Even I was unable to enjoy listening to “see the Bombers fly up, up” after the final siren.

 

As a passionate and powerful football person, I should be given a full comfortable live coverage.

 

After the late night meeting, I messaged my good Bomber mate and he was so happy with the win. He’s got a special Bombers beer and enjoyed the post match drink.

 

I am an early bird guy and want to practise footy in the morning. Even Matt says I don’t need to do it everyday, I practise as much as possible because I am willing to improve my skills and I love the sport. It’s hard to concentrate at night. Also discussing at night is not good for our body as we should be ready to sleep at night. Due to my footy and body function, a late night work meeting should be banned. As the meeting is unpaid, I want such time to sleep for the morning footy practice or to watch a game.

 

The following day, an Australian gentleman dined at my workplace. I cooked deep fried beef for him and we talked about footy over the bar. He is a Hawthorn supporter. I mentioned to him about my involvement with the Dingoes. We were surprised with the Bombers’ win.

 

WEST COAST 0.1 1.6 2.12 6.16 (52)
ESSENDON 6.2 8.4 9.7 12.8 (80)

GOALS
West Coast: Cripps 2, Naitanui, Rioli, LeCras, Shuey
Essendon: Stringer 3, Smith 3, Bellchambers, Brown, McDonald-Tipungwuti, Baguley, Guelfi, Langford

BEST
West Coast: Hurn, Gaff, Yeo, Redden, Naitanui
Essendon: Saad, Smith, Heppell, Hooker, Merrett, Hurley, Goddard

OUR VOTES
3. Smith (ESS); 2. Goddard (ESS); 1. Yeo (WCE)

Umpires: Margetts, Dalgleish, Williamson, Fleer

Official crowd: 51,409

 

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About Yoshihiro Imagawa

Love, passion and pride are seen on the footy that is the biggest part of my life. 1. St Kilda Club member: I am a passionate and crazy Sainter. Just hope we will win the second flag soon, especially after Dogs and Tigers having ended long premiership draughts. 2. The Osaka Dingoes Player and Public Relations Officer: Player number 44 that I chose to honour Stephen Milne with my wish being like a small forward like him. Lenny Hayes' hardworking attitudes are adopted on my trainings and practices. Nick Riewoldt's great plays are in my player audiobook too. 3. Writing: Here on the Almanac and also on the World Footy News. My skills utilise on great footy websites.

Comments

  1. Colin Ritchie says

    BJ is a passionate footballer, and most likely, a passionate person, who calls it as he sees it. I would not be surprised to see him back at the Saints next year in some sort of coaching capacity.

  2. G’day and thanks for the comment, Colin!

    To be honest I don’t think BJ is retiring at the end of 2018; however I would be happy to see him coaching at St Kilda after the retirement.

    Then Saint Nick should be back to the club to see legends’ reunite.

    Cheers

    Yoshi

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