WWT Eagles 2011 Premiers - Grand Final Post Game Chat

[85 WAS A GOOD YEAR]

As well as Goddsy being a much loved ex-Double Premiership Coach of our Reserves, many of the Bay Boys are good mates with Aaron Day & Scott Lewis. They both gave our lads a quick good luck on the way down at half time as well as congratulating them after our win.
So it's a mutual admiration society I think

[Pseudo]

Centurion, last post 3-10-2011.

He's probably been banned again

[andyw]

Uggghhhhhhhhhhh - still effing hurts.
Pricks.

Yep. so it should.

Well done Eags.
Pricks

[stampy]

i just realised that the 2nd semi winner lost in all grades

[Mr Irate]

Am i missing something or have a few regulars like Centurion, Mr Irate, and Grahaml gone to ground ?

I made a brief appearance in a scene on page 8.......

[Media Park]

But Centurion... Conspicuously absent...

[Dogwatcher]

Well, Adelaide Hawk has at least a week's head start on him.

[The Sleeping Giant]

But Centurion... Conspicuously absent...

Probably still drinking. Best he doesn't post.

[areaman]

Missed the chimney presentation today but have driven past 4 times!

Doing laps of the block?

[spell_check]

I noticed no one questioned my non-appearance...

I suppose I must start with the game last week. All throughout the last quarter and sitting there after the siren, I thought we had no hope against a side which basically looks like an express steamroller come finals time. During the week, my mood actually changed. Because I think it all comes down to the mental application. You can have all the silky skills you like, but they mean nothing if you don't have the absolute will to win.

The realisation that the majority of the side had not played Centrals in a final gave me the impression that it would overawe those players, by not taking into account the lift the Bulldogs players have in a finals match. It's intimidating, it's stunning and it's irresistible. But there were those six who had been there in '06 who knew it could be done. No doubt they had some reassurance to the other players to back themselves 100% and the reward is not impossible as it seems.

So, I think it was Aerie who had in the past looked for the signs in the team. I thought I would do the same. And it was all good early on. They were there to set the standard and not try to chase it. Pressurise; not to be pressured. The other pleasing aspect was that during the second and third quarters, any response by the Bulldogs was balanced soon after.

However, what I was waiting for began to sprout almost before three quarter time. Some negative, retracting play ended up with Havelberg kicking truly at three quarter time. And when the inevitable surge came in the last, those horrible thoughts dating back to the '94 Grand Final and the huge cheer of every Magpie goal which haunted a nine year old for 12 years came flooding into my mind.

This time, we were resilient. We did not become the proverbial deer in the headlights. They saw the prize and did not lose sight of it. Not even the 15-2 free kick count after half time would extinguish our diminishing lead. I must have looked at the timeclock about 20 times in the last quarter. Thompson had to back up his words from last week, and while he did not do a whole lot, one of the newest phrases in the footy vernacular, the "Leo Barry" could be uttered thanks to him.

When the siren went, for half a second, I thought "This isn't right - Central aren't leading?" But it was, and I can honestly say, the feeling I had was probably the best I've ever had in my life. Against all the history and the odds, here was a victory to be truly proud of. And I cannot be prouder to be a Woodville/West Torrens supporter right now!

And not just that, both sets of supporters could be equally as proud for putting on a classic Grand Final, and not another Dogs/Eagles GF settled well before the siren. Of course, to you Doggies fans, you saw another reason why you love your club for what it has done for you over the last 12 years with that fightback. Also, that you have a coach who is humble and gratituous in defeat - unlike another coach who needs not to be named here. And we Eagles fans can be equally as thrilled that we can show to the rest of the competition that we can beat (and be) the best, too.

While I still think the standard of the competition may not be as good as around 2005-07, this Grand Final is one the whole SANFL community could be proud of - a terrific showcase of the tough, contested footy - the theme we promote our competition as.

[Big Phil]

Well said spelly and congrats mate.

[Pseudo]

I noticed no one questioned my non-appearance...

It has not escaped my attention that my questions on "Ask Spelly" remain unanswered

Congrats to you and yours.

[Hopeful Jelly]

However, what I was waiting for began to sprout almost before three quarter time. Some negative, retracting play ended up with Havelberg kicking truly at three quarter time. And when the inevitable surge came in the last, those horrible thoughts dating back to the '94 Grand Final and the huge cheer of every Magpie goal which haunted a nine year old for 12 years came flooding into my mind.

Great post Spelly. I totally agree with the period shortly before 3/4 time - whilst we got out to a 32 point lead, we had a couple of opportunities to extend it further but failed to score, only to then have a turnover in the backlines that resulted in the lead to diminish to 24 at 3/4 time.

The Dogs are too good a team to not expect them to fight back and the Havelberg goal gave them a sniff on 3/4 time, whereas it could have easily been an almost match-winning 6-7 goal lead at that stage. Fortunately we were able to hold on!

I think one of our deficiencies this year has been the ability to kill teams off on the scoreboard when being in control of the game - Centrals at Woodville, preliminary final vs Norwood in both 2010 and this year, and the grand final just to name a few.

But hey, we won it in the end!! Yeehaaa!!

[Wedgie]

Never fear Centurion is still alive.
He's moved house and is struggling to get the internet connected.

[FlyingHigh]

.

[FlyingHigh]

However, what I was waiting for began to sprout almost before three quarter time. Some negative, retracting play ended up with Havelberg kicking truly at three quarter time. And when the inevitable surge came in the last, those horrible thoughts dating back to the '94 Grand Final and the huge cheer of every Magpie goal which haunted a nine year old for 12 years came flooding into my mind.

Great post Spelly. I totally agree with the period shortly before 3/4 time - whilst we got out to a 32 point lead, we had a couple of opportunities to extend it further but failed to score, only to then have a turnover in the backlines that resulted in the lead to diminish to 24 at 3/4 time.

The Dogs are too good a team to not expect them to fight back and the Havelberg goal gave them a sniff on 3/4 time, whereas it could have easily been an almost match-winning 6-7 goal lead at that stage. Fortunately we were able to hold on!

I think one of our deficiencies this year has been the ability to kill teams off on the scoreboard when being in control of the game - Centrals at Woodville, preliminary final vs Norwood in both 2010 and this year, and the grand final just to name a few.

But hey, we won it in the end!! Yeehaaa!!

Yeah, the goal just on 3/4 time was a goal the Centrals and Port's wouldn't have given up, but don't opverlook how critical the period of the few minutes before half time was. 20 points up, we had the play in our forward half for a few minutes, Hall a set shot for 40m, another time Grocke was in perfect position to use his body and mark 15mt out bit of an angle, didn't mark. The Centrals sides over the years would have made sure they kicked at least one goal in these few minutes to be up by 5, rather than 21 points. As you say HJ, Centrals would ahve turned for home with the game in their keeping despite the opposition keeping at them (v West 2003) or if they were out on the feet (v Sturt 2009).
We need to learn this lesson if we are going to become completely ruthless and win more.

[Booney]

Never fear Centurion is still alive.
He's moved house and is struggling to get the internet connected.

[Booney]

Good to see Parry ( or the club ) has issued an apology for his little gaff on the podium on Sunday.

Well done and shows he knew he made a slip up.

[Media Park]

anyone got footage or a link to the gaffe? I was a bit socially excited...

[wedgetail]

Some interesting numbers from the chimney unveiling yesterday.
- The ABC telecast peaked at 169,000 viewers, a sensational figure and surely highlights to the ABC the popularity of SANFL footy.
- Over 500 Eagles supporters at the chimney event, the highest amount for several years according to the brewery official.
- Over 2800 Eagles fans at the after party at Oval Ave on Sunday.
Let's hope that these great numbers can be translated into higher attendances at home and away games next season!