Grand Final Post Game Reviews

[blackandred]

As wonderful as Norwood's GF effort was history shows that they may well struggle in coming years. Impressive performances from their younger brigade will attract AFL clubs and the effort required to make consecutive GFs is immense - which makes the achievments of CDs all the more magnificent.
Back in 2003 Westies had a first year, AFL experienced coach and a group of exciting youngsters (Adam Cooney, Beau Waters, Jason Porplyzia, Shane Tuck,etc). They made the GF, were 5th in 2004 and bottom 2005-2008. They havn't played finals since they played the GF in 2003.
In 2007 CDs played North in the GF. NA finished 7th in 2008, 5th in 2009 and 7th in 2010.
The Eagles are the only other team to perform consistently playing finals every year except 1 since 2000 and appearing in 5 GFs in those 11 years. They are the only team to play in consecutive GFs against CDs: 2000/1 and 2004/5/6.
Since Sturt won in 2002 they finished 4th, 3rd, 5th, 8th, 5th and 3rd before their 2009 GF. Not bad.
Glenelg were in the 2008 GF and have since finished 3rd and 4th.
So what does all this drivel prove? 2 things: Firstly, Central's record of playing in 11 GFs straight is simply awesome. They have seen off 6 SANFL clubs in 11 years. Second, the amount of physical and emotional energy to get a club into a GF is too much for us mere mortals.
Time will tell if Norwood can buck the trend.

[wristwatcher]

As wonderful as Norwood's GF effort was history shows that they may well struggle in coming years. Impressive performances from their younger brigade will attract AFL clubs and the effort required to make consecutive GFs is immense - which makes the achievments of CDs all the more magnificent.
Back in 2003 Westies had a first year, AFL experienced coach and a group of exciting youngsters (Adam Cooney, Beau Waters, Jason Porplyzia, Shane Tuck,etc). They made the GF, were 5th in 2004 and bottom 2005-2008. They havn't played finals since they played the GF in 2003.
In 2007 CDs played North in the GF. NA finished 7th in 2008, 5th in 2009 and 7th in 2010.
The Eagles are the only other team to perform consistently playing finals every year except 1 since 2000 and appearing in 5 GFs in those 11 years. They are the only team to play in consecutive GFs against CDs: 2000/1 and 2004/5/6.
Since Sturt won in 2002 they finished 4th, 3rd, 5th, 8th, 5th and 3rd before their 2009 GF. Not bad.
Glenelg were in the 2008 GF and have since finished 3rd and 4th.
So what does all this drivel prove? 2 things: Firstly, Central's record of playing in 11 GFs straight is simply awesome. They have seen off 6 SANFL clubs in 11 years. Second, the amount of physical and emotional energy to get a club into a GF is too much for us mere mortals.
Time will tell if Norwood can buck the trend.

I take sooo much more interest in posts when they are based on facts It doesnt even need to be statistical. Well written Sir! That made for some very interesting reading. I look forward to future posts from you.
I went to 6 Norwood games this year which included the 4 finals and i sincerely hope they can take the next step and unseat the evil overlords from down Eliz way. Its only the law of averages that makes me believe Centrals will falter eventually. Norwood look as likely as anyone has to threaten their thrown and take the next step to Premiers in 2011 and finally of course.....I pray the previous centuries perrenially "Mighty SANFL Magpies" will improve and hopefully threaten finals and ultimately Grand Finals again.
As you stated time will tell....CDFC may just have a few tricks left up their sleeves

[JK]

As wonderful as Norwood's GF effort was history shows that they may well struggle in coming years. Impressive performances from their younger brigade will attract AFL clubs and the effort required to make consecutive GFs is immense - which makes the achievments of CDs all the more magnificent.
Back in 2003 Westies had a first year, AFL experienced coach and a group of exciting youngsters (Adam Cooney, Beau Waters, Jason Porplyzia, Shane Tuck,etc). They made the GF, were 5th in 2004 and bottom 2005-2008. They havn't played finals since they played the GF in 2003.
In 2007 CDs played North in the GF. NA finished 7th in 2008, 5th in 2009 and 7th in 2010.
The Eagles are the only other team to perform consistently playing finals every year except 1 since 2000 and appearing in 5 GFs in those 11 years. They are the only team to play in consecutive GFs against CDs: 2000/1 and 2004/5/6.
Since Sturt won in 2002 they finished 4th, 3rd, 5th, 8th, 5th and 3rd before their 2009 GF. Not bad.
Glenelg were in the 2008 GF and have since finished 3rd and 4th.
So what does all this drivel prove? 2 things: Firstly, Central's record of playing in 11 GFs straight is simply awesome. They have seen off 6 SANFL clubs in 11 years. Second, the amount of physical and emotional energy to get a club into a GF is too much for us mere mortals.
Time will tell if Norwood can buck the trend.

I agree that is a very good (lol well not good from a Norwood perspective, but very accurate) post.

Another fear (which I hope proves to be unfounded of course) is that we may have shown our hand a fair bit this year, to that extent we just have to have the confidence in Bass to continue to evolve and we owe him the confidence to believe that he will.

I think the Norwood squad will be very different next year unfortunately, with 3-7 of Sundays team missing on a regular basis, if not altogether.

The recruiting side of things will be critical in the off-season .. Not so much in terms of quantity, but quality.

[Magpiespower]

One thing's for sure, Callinan's bump is one of those 'grand final moments' that will feature on highlight packages for years to come...

[sjt]

No way KMac would have won it, I thought he had a pretty disappointing finals series by hiw own lofty standards.

Puopolo was probably the logical choice for Norwood's best player .. I think if say Norwood had won by 6 points there's a good chance Callinan would have become the first player to win the JO in a losing side.

Again dealing with could have and would have's

Finally got to watch the replay yesterday. Puopolo, in my opinion best for Norwood (by a fair bit). I couldn't imagine we'd see him in the SANFL next year.
For Central I would have best 1) Callinan (by a fair bit) 2) Thomas 3) Lawry and fourth Hayes (only because of a couple of match winning marks in the last quarter).

[CENTURION]

fwiw, I thought Bello's bump on Hassan at Richmond 6 or 7 years ago was far more dangerous, still no report though.

[andyw]

One thing's for sure, Callinan's bump is one of those 'grand final moments' that will feature on highlight packages for years to come...

after reading the best part of 20 pages on this topic i thought i'd put a different twist on it for everyone banging on about THAT bump.
If the shoe was on the other foot and it was Phillips that took out Callinan with exactly the same bump and Norwood went on to win the flag with phillips getting the Jack Oatey, all the legs supporters would be raving about "THAT MATCH WINNING BUMP".
....Get over it. That's footy!

[HeartBeatsTrue]

One thing's for sure, Callinan's bump is one of those 'grand final moments' that will feature on highlight packages for years to come...

after reading the best part of 20 pages on this topic i thought i'd put a different twist on it for everyone banging on about THAT bump.
If the shoe was on the other foot and it was Phillips that took out Callinan with exactly the same bump and Norwood went on to win the flag with phillips getting the Jack Oatey, all the legs supporters would be raving about "THAT MATCH WINNING BUMP"and dogs supporters will be calling for Phillips' head and calling him a sniper.
....Get over it. That's footy!

Just adding in what you forgot to type andy

[bulldogproud2]

One thing's for sure, Callinan's bump is one of those 'grand final moments' that will feature on highlight packages for years to come...

after reading the best part of 20 pages on this topic i thought i'd put a different twist on it for everyone banging on about THAT bump.
If the shoe was on the other foot and it was Phillips that took out Callinan with exactly the same bump and Norwood went on to win the flag with phillips getting the Jack Oatey, all the legs supporters would be raving about "THAT MATCH WINNING BUMP"and dogs supporters will be calling for Phillips' head and calling him a sniper.
....Get over it. That's footy!

Just adding in what you forgot to type andy

Not sure Central supporters would be calling anyone a sniper for a fair bump like that one. Yes, it was very sad that Phillips (a very fair player himself) is in bad medical shape and I hope he recovers quickly. However, there were a couple of incidents where Central players were unfairly treated (note the fact James Boyd needed to have the doctor remove teeth from his lip) yet Central supporters have not made much comment at all on this.
On another more important note, how meritorious was Central's win considering that two players (Spurr and Boyd) played on through the match with broken bones in their bodies, one player played on with slight concussion (Sibenaler), one played on with a corked thigh (Hayes) and one with a jagged hamstring (Jenner). Central were down to 16 fit players by halftime yet staged a great comeback in the third quarter. Well done, Doggies.

[sjt]

Interesting to also read Lee Spurr played with a broken hand. During the game when Lee was at the Southern end, I noticed him holding his hand, in a bit of pain, I thought he'd dislocated his finger. I don't remember who was on him, so I wont guess. Whoever it was, was trying to hit (slap) his hand. I think Goodrem stepped in between them when he saw what was happening. It didn't last long and was only a couple of slaps, but interesting in the context of some of the discussion.

[HeartBeatsTrue]

Wow based on that it must have been the greatest grand final victory of all time!

Dont forget to mention that as the team bus broke down, and their gear was already at aami, that they had to run bare foot on gravel all the way from Elizabeth and arrived just in time for the opening bounce.

[CENTURION]

Interesting to also read Lee Spurr played with a broken hand. During the game when Lee was at the Southern end, I noticed him holding his hand, in a bit of pain, I thought he'd dislocated his finger. I don't remember who was on him, so I wont guess. Whoever it was, was trying to hit (slap) his hand. I think Goodrem stepped in between them when he saw what was happening. It didn't last long and was only a couple of slaps, but interesting in the context of some of the discussion.

bloody Norwood hand-slappers

[bulldogproud2]

Wow based on that it must have been the greatest grand final victory of all time!

Dont forget to mention that as the team bus broke down, and their gear was already at aami, that they had to run bare foot on gravel all the way from Elizabeth and arrived just in time for the opening bounce.

Just stating the facts, HBT, no need to be like that!
Still doesn't take away from the excellent second quarter Norwood had and the fact they were the first team to really push Centrals in a Grand Final that we won.

[CENTURION]

Wow based on that it must have been the greatest grand final victory of all time!

Dont forget to mention that as the team bus broke down, and their gear was already at aami, that they had to run bare foot on gravel all the way from Elizabeth and arrived just in time for the opening bounce.

Just stating the facts, HBT, no need to be like that!
Still doesn't take away from the excellent second quarter Norwood had and the fact they were the first team to really push Centrals in a Grand Final that we won.

HBT, you are sooooo silly! Everyone knows there are no gravel roads between Footy Park and Elizabeth!

[sjt]

Wow based on that it must have been the greatest grand final victory of all time!

Dont forget to mention that as the team bus broke down, and their gear was already at aami, that they had to run bare foot on gravel all the way from Elizabeth and arrived just in time for the opening bounce.

Well, it was pretty good. Shows Norwood weren't the only ones to face a bit of adversity during the game.

[HeartBeatsTrue]

Wow based on that it must have been the greatest grand final victory of all time!

Dont forget to mention that as the team bus broke down, and their gear was already at aami, that they had to run bare foot on gravel all the way from Elizabeth and arrived just in time for the opening bounce.

Just stating the facts, HBT, no need to be like that!
Still doesn't take away from the excellent second quarter Norwood had and the fact they were the first team to really push Centrals in a Grand Final that we won.

HBT, you are sooooo silly! Everyone knows there are no gravel roads between Footy Park and Elizabeth!

What? You didnt hear about the roadworks on Salisbury Highway and the expressway on Sunday?

[Brucetiki]

Wow based on that it must have been the greatest grand final victory of all time!

Dont forget to mention that as the team bus broke down, and their gear was already at aami, that they had to run bare foot on gravel all the way from Elizabeth and arrived just in time for the opening bounce.

Well, I heard one of the Footy Express buses did break down on Grand Junction Rd, but that was on the way home from the game

[CENTURION]

Wow based on that it must have been the greatest grand final victory of all time!

Dont forget to mention that as the team bus broke down, and their gear was already at aami, that they had to run bare foot on gravel all the way from Elizabeth and arrived just in time for the opening bounce.

Well, it was pretty good. Shows Norwood weren't the only ones to face a bit of adversity during the game.

AND.......don't forget.......We were up against THE MONSFAW!!

[Brucetiki]

Chad O'Sullivan has put about 160-odd pics of the GF week, the big day and the chimney up on the LocalFootySA site. Included in the photos are some very rare shots of Kris Grants desk

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl ... 5935890833

[SimonH]

As wonderful as Norwood's GF effort was history shows that they may well struggle in coming years. Impressive performances from their younger brigade will attract AFL clubs and the effort required to make consecutive GFs is immense - which makes the achievments of CDs all the more magnificent.
Back in 2003 Westies had a first year, AFL experienced coach and a group of exciting youngsters (Adam Cooney, Beau Waters, Jason Porplyzia, Shane Tuck,etc). They made the GF, were 5th in 2004 and bottom 2005-2008. They havn't played finals since they played the GF in 2003.
In 2007 CDs played North in the GF. NA finished 7th in 2008, 5th in 2009 and 7th in 2010.
The Eagles are the only other team to perform consistently playing finals every year except 1 since 2000 and appearing in 5 GFs in those 11 years. They are the only team to play in consecutive GFs against CDs: 2000/1 and 2004/5/6.
Since Sturt won in 2002 they finished 4th, 3rd, 5th, 8th, 5th and 3rd before their 2009 GF. Not bad.
Glenelg were in the 2008 GF and have since finished 3rd and 4th.
So what does all this drivel prove? 2 things: Firstly, Central's record of playing in 11 GFs straight is simply awesome. They have seen off 6 SANFL clubs in 11 years. Second, the amount of physical and emotional energy to get a club into a GF is too much for us mere mortals.
Time will tell if Norwood can buck the trend.

Great post. Norwood are no West Adelaide 2003 (we don't have a large collection of AFL-stars-to-be in the squad). However, we have already lost Weatherald, Gorringe (who didn't play the GF but played most of the year, trusting he won't last 'til the first SA team's ND pick), perhaps Stewie Bown, if the hype is believed most likely Puopolo, and perhaps the big one (in my eyes anyway) Lower. A lot will hinge on Nick Lower. If he goes, the question is whether we splash the cash and try to recruit a top-shelf midfielder as well as the KPP/2nd ruck that we clearly need. Otherwise, if we can keep the rest of the group intact, losing 4 or 5 in the off-season is not much worse than most clubs have to deal with; it looks like Central probably stand to lose 3 or so just of their older brigade to retirement.

It's significant that the 21 who ran out for Norwood in the GF were all 100% Norwood players (although Will Young contributed a huge amount in the minor round before his injury). AFL-listed players by definition are not keys to long-term club success; keeping the proportion of AFL-listed players relied upon as part of the best 21 very low, is something Centrals have done well for a long time.

Of course Norwood recruiters would love a big guy who was basically a clone of Sam Rowe (so we've got one in the ruck and one up forward). The issue for long-term success for the whole team, though, is finding and developing more talent from within. Some of them might ultimately go to the AFL if they shine, but most won't and will hopefully become long-term SANFL players. 12 months ago I reckon that even Alex Georgiou and Tom Jonas would have said you were mad if you'd said they were going to be league 2010 GF players. Now they look for all the world like 150-gamers who are only going to get better. Those who've been there and thereabouts but didn't play in the GF-- Mark Evans, Gavin Roberts, Michael Ialeggio, Ben Jefferies, Mitch Grigg, Alex Stopp etc-- are the sort who are going to need to improve and stamp themselves as best-21 players in 2011 if we're going to be up there again.

Hard to overestimate the contribution of Nathan Bassett. The recruiting ban means that he's basically been working with the same squad that missed the finals in 2009. My estimate is that we have him for another 1-2 years. Gotta make hay while that particular sun shines.