First, to Port.
I almost posted this in the weeks coming up to the GF.
I hate Port, and Port supporters wouldn't have it any other way.
BUT I think Mark Williams and the PAFC have done a magnificent job this year, to make a GF in a year that everyone thought they'd be rebuilding was an incredible effort.
Except for Chocko's attempted stupid mind games against Geelong in the last month I think he has done a magnificent job.
During the year the way he showed faith in players like Motlop who he brought back into the side with no hesitation from injury when others would insist coming back through the State league was always paid back to Chocko with awesome performances, the game in Brisbane springs to mind.
Throw in the perfomances of players like Westhoff and Rodan and you'll know what I mean too.
I've got off on telling Port supporters when they've choked in the past but they haven't choked at all this year, they've done the opposite, it doesn't matter if you lose GFs by 1 pt or 119 pts as no percentage is involved.
They won finals they had to and lost to a team that was a short priced favourite in the end, no disgrace there.
Port definately didn't choke at all, some might argue that the final margin indicates a degree of choking but as I said the margin makes no difference.
Well done Port on a great year and well done to Chocko on a great coaching performance this year, you should be judged over the year and not in one game.
Secondly, what does this win mean for a long time suffering Geelong supporter?
Relief.
Mrs Wedgie is partying harder than me tonight, I haven't even got a smile on my face at the moment, its just a huge feeling of relief to break the drought, its almost like we have to win another one quickly just so we can actually have one to enjoy.
I was nervous as buggery in the days leading up to the game, even at noon today I told Mrs Wedgie I was heading down to the pub, went and played the pokies for an hour and a half just to help keep my mind off the game (won $50!
).Got back home about 1.50pm and sat down and watched the game.
Went off when goals were scored but at the end of the game I only shed a tear when I saw Billy Brownless crying, I thought I was going to be a blubbering mess if we won or lost but was remarkably calm.
Very proud of the boys, and they knew how much it meant to the town and supporters hence why they took so much time to do the lap of honour.
Good to see Chocko show some class in going and congratulating the Geelong players, he didn't have to but it was a classy move.
I'll wear my Geelong scarf proudly tomorrow at Adelaide Oval on top of my North gear, will barrack my heart out for the Roosters but even if they go down I'll be content on 2007. Having said that my mind is now focussed on tomorrow's Prelim for the first time this week.
What a huge relief, thank you to the players today, that meant the world to us, do it again next year so we can truly enjoy it instead of just breathing a huge sigh of relief. With players like Tomahawk and Blake coming through I see no reason why Geelong shouldn't win it again next year, hopefully another dynasty like Brisbane in the early 2000s.
Thanks to my many friends on here for their support, much appreciated!!
Go Catters!
PS I copped some flack for claiming that Geelong had won the flag when Port claimed 2nd spot and when I stated that the Grand Final was last Friday night when we got over the line against Collingwood, I hope those people that gave me flack apologise and admit I was spot on the money.
