The Brownlow, finals and Matthew Knights

As we approach season’s end, it is good to see that Jobe Watson, Trent Cotchin and Sam Mitchell finished in that order in the Brownlow. Each would be regarded as role models from their various clubs, humble champions who have risen to greatness in their sporting field thru determination, teamwork, courage, hard work and persistence. Good values to preach in this day and age to the spruikers of the “15 minutes of fame” mentality which sees people wanting to be famous for not really doing anything or adding value to society in any sort of positive manner. Well done gents.

Finals Week 3, 2012 FEARLESS: A week off does have its benefits or does it..?

2nd Preliminary Final: Sydney Swans v Collingwood

The Swans travelled over the Harbour Bridge to Homebush, fresh from the week off with the challenge of overcoming a hoodoo that was clearly black and white. No win against the Magpies since 2005 was definitely a challenge for the Swans, given that a Grand Final berth was at stake. Sydney’s defence had been stiffened by the return of Reg Grundies from suspension. Added to the intrigue of the final, the Reid brothers and Shaw brothers were about to face off, one of each in both teams. The Swans started strongly with 4 scoring opportunities and typical Sydney pressure forcing early mistakes from their opponents. Chris Dawes got the Pies on the board but it was tough early as the Swans powered to a 20pt lead at the 1^st break, despite an early injury to All Australian defender Ted Richards. Travis Cloke got the Pies underway in the 2^nd qtr as Sydney suffered from the yips. It was the Pies only goal for the quarter as the Sydney pressure remained intense.  A 27pt lead for the Swans at half time illustrated the stranglehold the locals had on the game. An uncharacteristic trait of Collingwood’s game was its sloppiness, maybe intertwined with fatigue as a result of the draining week endured. Similar to the week before, the overall impact of the McCarthy death was hard to gauge. The Swans were in no mood for leniency, hoodoo…what hoodoo? The Sydney lead shot out to 41pts before Collingwood got the 2 last goals of the third term. The first two goals of the last qtr to the Pies and the Magpie army began to believe. Suddenly the margin was 20pts and the arm wrestle was on. Craig Bird stepped up and kicked a critical goal, followed soon after by Shane Mumford and LRT. The Swans had booked a place in the 2012 Grand Final. A strong win by 26pts over a valiant but jaded Collingwood had sealed the deal.

1st Preliminary Final: Hawthorn v Adelaide

The Crows came to the MCG as absolute outsiders, rank underdogs with nothing to lose, despite carrying the weight of South Australia’s hopes. Hawthorn, fresh from the week off, came to the MCG, armed with the knowledge that indestructible skipper Luke Hodge had succumbed to a stomach virus doing the rounds of his house. Ahhh kids…even the great ones are not immune! Tom Murphy had earned an 11^th hour reprieve. Uncharacteristic nerves from the Hawks resulted in wayward attacking thrusts. In contrast, the Crows looked polished as they led by 7pts at the first change. Kurt Von Tippett shrugged off his average form to boot two 1^st qtr goals. He was ably assisted by Tex Walker, who booted three goals in the 2^nd qtr, as the Crows regained the lead right on the main break. The Hawks’ waywardness had proven costly despite dominating general play. 4 goals early in the third and the Hawks were slowly on their way to the promised land. The Hawks led at the last change by 16pts. The Crows hadn’t dropped off but where struggling to contain Cyril Rioli and Buddy Franklin who had gone up a cog. As the last qtr unfolded, it became clear that this was going to go down to the wire. A 4^th goal to Tippett and the margin closed to within 10pts and both teams had the yips. From there, Patrick Dangerfield tried to exert his influence over the contest but the jittery Hawks managed to do enough. Hawthorn got through to the Grand Final by 5pts, despite Schoenmakers’ costly error. He breathes easier…

–

**Credit must go to Matthew Knights as coach of Geelong’s VFL team, the Premiers for season 2012. Knights had buckled down to the task of restoring his footy reputation by accepting this job offer with the Cats. After an inglorious exit from Essendon, Knights now adds VFL Premiership Coach to his CV. Not a bad effort as his Cats powered away from reigning Premiers Port Melbourne to win by 33pts.