Buddy, Buddy, Buddy!
Our superstar forward’s finger prints are all over an amazing first quarter in Friday night’s Preliminary Final against Geelong. Lance Franklin is both the sledge hammer that breaks open the Cats defence and the architect designing our forward attacks. By the time he slots a trademark long range goal on the run to cap a seven goal to nil stanza, the game is all but over. It is perhaps the most influential quarter in a cut throat final that I’ve seen from an individual in a long time.
Let’s not forget though the whole team effort. I’ve been privileged now to see us live at the MCG in two Preliminary Finals. In 2005 it was a rampant final quarter that took us over the top of the Saints and towards a drought breaking premiership. This is different though. It is something else to see your team dominate an opposition so completely from the get-go. A thing of beauty!
Contested ball is king these days. Led by skipper Jack, Mitchell and Parker we constantly pressure the Cats on-ballers and roll the ball forward where the pace of Rohan, the strength of Buddy and Tippett and the elusiveness of our small forwards proves irresistible. McGlynn and Papley are like gophers popping up out of holes, or perhaps in-ground sprinklers raising their head when least expected.
Rapturous applause and admiration greet our red and white heroes at the first siren. The second level of the Southern Stand half forward at the Richmond end surrounded by a sea of red and white brothers and sisters has been an ideal vantage point to see the carnage unfold. I comment to the Swans couple to my right, who I later find are down from Newcastle – Heeney Country – that this is too good to last.
However across the other side of the ground in front of the MCC Members Pavilion we can see Malcolm Turnbull’s new best mate, Aliir Aliir gingerly being helped from the arena having crumpled to the ground after a marking contest late in the quarter. He does not return and we are down a rotation as well as missing his superb intercept marking and spoiling.
The die has been cast though. Geelong finally hit the scoreboard however their mistakes deliver more goals to Rohan and the X-man. Our defence marshalled by the Estonian, Rampe and the always underrated Nick Smith stand firm, while the midfield matches the determined efforts of Dangerfield and J.Selwood. Our young Novocastrian Isaac Heeney is increasingly influential roaming the length of the ground, marking courageously and driving us forward. Another superb long range goal from Buddy takes us to a 55 point lead.
A late goal to Jimmy Bartel, only the Cats second, make it a 49 point difference at the main break. The ground announcer goes through all the best come from behind wins in Preliminary Finals history and advises that a Cats win would indeed match the best ever.
The Cats do respond and for the first time get a run of goals, led by Harry Taylor who has been thrown forward. However they are never closer than 5 goals. And when needed one of our goffers Papley pops up and delivers two timely goals. His determination and skill have been a revelation this year and in his first finals campaign he has already notched up 9 goals. Very impressive – his Grandad Max would be proud.
The final quarter is somewhat of a stalemate. Our structured, determined defence, minus Aliir snuffs out any chance of a late charge from the Cats. The midfield led by young gun Heeney bats deeper than the Cats two man band and a 37 point win is delivered. Three goals to Papley and two each to Tippett, Parker, Rohan and Buddy have highlighted a great team effort.
As a supporter one should never take for granted the success of their team. Making finals has become the norm for the Swans in the last 20 years. I am indeed privileged and very appreciative to follow a Club that is well run with a team supported by great recruiting, development and coaching. A lot has been made of the decisions to recruit high end expensive talent in Franklin and Tippett. However it is the whole team effort that has taken us to another Grand Final. The team currently includes eight players off the Rookie List and ten new players since our last premiership opportunity only two years ago. We have indeed rebuilt on the run.
Whatever the result next week, I know this group will make us proud and provide a whole-hearted effort. We have taken the cream off the Cat’s milk. Can we tame the Dog’s bite? Bring it on … Go Bloods!
