09-24-2023, 02:27 AM
Incredible! From here on in, there's no pressure on us. At all. The expectations, starting last night, were on Melbourne, who most tipped to win. Now a first preliminary final since 2000! OMG!
To some comments on some players now. Walsh, you legend. How your absence has been noticed this year. Splendid to have you back champ. Stood up and stood out in only his second final, set the ground on fire. Next captain in waiting material.
Acres, thank you mate. An absolute keeper, not just recycled junkyard trash filling in a spot. Runs hard everywhere and once again, won the match! One thing I'll say is, breathe mate, don't rush the thing in the dying stages. The game could still have been stolen back off us. Perhaps he was more comfortable with instinct and not overthinking set shot goals. Hmm.
Docherty. Heart and soul champion. Courageous stuff to play on with that shoulder. So unlucky with those injury problems. Provided dash and long, direct kicking and metres gained play.
Motlop. You little beauty mate. Tackling, chasing and two very important, clever goals. He belongs in the 22. Growth still to come. What a time to play that sort of a game.
Newman. The everywhere man. A finals-hardened player. Has been a little bit off with some clangers this finals series, but can't fault his effort and ability to find and win the ball, both in the clinches and in the spaces.
McGovern. I don't recall who he was on, but won more than his share of the ball and had an overwhelming kick-to-handball ratio. Why not either? A trusty kicker, kicked out almost entirely after their 17 behinds and seemed faultless at it. He was also in the contest when Acres took the match winning mark and goal. He will get his turn too, he knows where the goals are.
TDK. Good lord. What a player he is becoming. When he hangs on to his marks, he can fly and take some speccies. Took them all around the ground. He was an excellent and important presence forward. Those two marks and two goals from set shots, he provided a foil for the Melbourne defence and took pressure off Charlie, who was soundly beaten by May. He was a forward as a junior too and I reckon this is the start of a presence we'll see down there. He'll improve as a forward, just as much as a ruck. More to come. Very well done to nail those set shots.
Pittonet. Gave Gawn a real headache as a defensive ruck running with him.
(This was the review I wrote, I found it in my draft post section)!