SA Footy

I'm remarkably not smashed, had indegestion pretty badly recently so despite drinking for the last 11 hours I'm remarkably sober.

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.

Cats way too good today, Port crap but i think we've got a good future, we certainly finished a lot higher than a lot of us expected. As long as this doesn't have a big psycholigica effect on the club i think we'll be challengers for the next few years.

Geelong's list is a scary thought though, they really dont have many too players likely to retire in the next 4 or so years. As long as they dont get carried away with things they could certainly win 3 or 4 flags in the next 5 years and challenge any record set by Brisbane.

Port Adelaide AFL 2007 = Sturt SANFL 2007?
Both were expected to be in rebuilding phases and both exceded beyond
expectations, only to have disappointing finishes.
Both clubs managements and supporters should be bouyed by the overall picture,
not the bad endings.

Mr66 wrote:Port Adelaide AFL 2007 = Sturt SANFL 2007?

At least Sturt only lost their last game by 1 point not 20 goals

heater31 wrote:

Mr66 wrote:Port Adelaide AFL 2007 = Sturt SANFL 2007?

At least Sturt only lost their last game by 1 point not 20 goals :D

..and we didn't embarass ourselves on the national stage either..

Port didn't choke today, as you can't choke when there is nothing to choke on, That is what Geelong did, they starved them of any chance today.
Far too good and far too strong.
Port did a fine job in coming so far, but in a year when there was only one stand out team, they took advantage of their chances, and for that they should be congratulated.
Next year is a different story. Geelong IMO are on the road to glory. Port however may falter, as I can see teams that underperformed this year catching up. Ports list is getting on, and the core group of players only have two or three years left in them...those years however the legs get slower, and bumps hurt more...*

Every game has a loser. In the finals it doesn't matter how much you lose by as pointed out by Wedgie, but what does matter is the manner in which you fight and try to get respect..there was nothing like that from Port today, and that will hurt...

That's right, Port didn't choke, they starved.

Tubthumping just came on Foxtel.
What an appropriate song.

The Cat's get knocked down,
but they get up again,
you're never going to keep them down.

So proud.

I think its starting to hit me.

Wedgie wrote:Tubthumping just came on Foxtel.
What an appropriate song.

The Cat's get knocked down,
but they get up again,
you're never going to keep them down.

So proud.

I think its starting to hit me.

Geez, get the tissues ready Wedgie, the emotion will come blubbering out soon

SJABC wrote:

Wedgie wrote:Tubthumping just came on Foxtel.
What an appropriate song.

The Cat's get knocked down,
but they get up again,
you're never going to keep them down.

So proud.

I think its starting to hit me.

Geez, get the tissues ready Wedgie, the emotion will come blubbering out soon

I think its coming, better head outside for some fresh air.

Well done Wedgie. Live it up mate, you thoroughly deserve it. As much as the 119 point loss today hurts like hell, while watching the game i was thinking, no matter how poorly we are playing, theres absolutely no chance we could start to get back into the game. Geelong were absolutely dominant everywhere, every single aspect of the game. There is no way they could have played better.

To Wedgie, REB, Strawb, and any other Geelong supporter on here, live it up, its been a long time between drinks, so enjoy every second of it.

pafc1870 wrote:Well done Wedgie. Live it up mate, you thoroughly deserve it. As much as the 119 point loss today hurts like hell, while watching the game i was thinking, no matter how poorly we are playing, theres absolutely no chance we could start to get back into the game. Geelong were absolutely dominant everywhere, every single aspect of the game. There is no way they could have played better.

To Wedgie, REB, Strawb, and any other Geelong supporter on here, live it up, its been a long time between drinks, so enjoy every second of it.

Cheers mate, classy post, appreciated.

I have been but I have to go to work today

GWW wrote:
Geelong's list is a scary thought though, they really dont have many too players likely to retire in the next 4 or so years. As long as they dont get carried away with things they could certainly win 3 or 4 flags in the next 5 years and challenge any record set by Brisbane.

you can say that now. but this time last year people said the same about west coast and 12 months was a long time for them.also how will they offord to keep the out of contract players cause they eill all want pay rises. and you cant see all geelongs players having the same year as this year in 08. it will be almost impossible the way this year went. and as much as i hate to say it i think collingwood will be a very good side next year. especially if they get chris judd!!!!

Just glad i got there with my daughter to see it! So emotional at the end, tears everywhere from young and old! If you want a further expansion and to see some pics go to the Norwood forum and i"ve posted in the "Dear Fester" thread.

The story of the Power's week....

Tredrea taking a bow 22nd September 2007


Tredrea taking a bow 29th September 2007

good article from the Age

TRENT Hentschel is yet to play in a premiership at Adelaide, but he played his part in winning one for Geelong.

Hentschel is best friend of Cats forward Mathew Stokes, and the man whose AFL experience it took for Stokes to realise that, with his diminutive size and relaxed Territorian attitude to life, ability alone would not be enough for him to replicate his friend's career.

Stokes was ignored by clubs at the 2002 AFL national draft. From Darwin, he then spent three years toiling in the SANFL before Geelong gave him a chance last season as a mature-age recruit.

He doubts he would have ever been part of a premiership had it not been for the three years he was forced to work at his dream. "I just didn't understand what you have to do, to work hard. It took me three years to realise it. Maybe that was a bit long, but maybe that was good for me as a person to learn that," Stokes said.

"I guess looking back now, it was a great way to do it because I don't think I was good enough as an 18-year-old. I didn't have, I guess, the head on my shoulders to do it and now I know how fickle this world can be … how quickly it can come and go.

"My best mate, Trent Hentschel, went to the Crows and he was similar to me as a junior and I saw what he had to do when he got to the club, how hard he worked — nutrition, everything. I guess seeing that in him made me realise how hard I have to work and what I have to sacrifice to get here. And I tell you what, I have sacrificed a lot …

"I had some really close mates back in Darwin and I had to move away from that and all my family. We have a real close family back home and some people that have been always there for me. That was the biggest sacrifice — walking away from them and trying to make a new life.

"So now, to be a premiership player, I look back and think how far I have come and think, gee, it is worth it."

His premiership moment was not to be denied, even when in that first quarter he landed awkwardly in a marking attempt and felt his knee pop. He went to the bench, his day seemingly done.

"It just popped out and went back in," he said. "As soon as the doc said there was no structural damage, I said, 'just give me a jab and I will be right'. I was never going to give up this day."

At that point, the game was still in the balance and it was not until the mid-point of the final quarter that Stokes trusted himself to indulge in the moment.

"When we kicked the first couple of goals in the last quarter … I turned around to Byrnesy (Shannon Byrnes) and said, 'We are premiership players'."

I just wanted to come on here and say congrats to Geelong...a bit late i know but i have spent the last 2 days drowning my sorrows haha

I also wanted to say i am so sick of the chokers tag i have had numerous messages on myspace congratulating me on supporting the chokers. I wish everyone would just get over themselves!!! Yes we lost by way too much but clearly Geelong are the best team. I wouldnt exactly say we choked, we just didnt play good footy. Thats all there is to it really.

so once again well done Geelong and bring on season 2008

'Chokers' is the worst word in footy and should be banned forever more. In any game 2 teams play and 1 has to lose. You play 50 GF's you'll have 50 losers - are they all chokers?? No - they just lost an important game as has every team at some stage.

I just think 'chokers' is an ugly word in footy. To my fellow Crows supporters I say keep your mouths shut because what goes around comes around.

well said