Late thoughts on the grand final

by LES EVERETT

I'VE been to the MCG for two grand finals now. The first was in 1988. I've witnessed the two biggest thrashings in VFL/AFL history.

There was a difference.

c mooney

Cameron Mooney prepares to put another nail in the Port Adelaide coffin. Photo by Les Everett.

When Hawthorn thumped Melbourne in 1988 it was their third premiership for the decade. It was impressive but not a victory to stir the emotions.

Geelong's record-breaking 2007 grand final win was stirring for many reasons most notably because it had taken so long. But the Cats not only broke a hoodoo, they broke a mould. I admired the physical and mentally exhausting style of Sydney but I'm glad the best team of 2007 is so different. The Geelong players run just as hard, are just as disciplined and team-oriented as the Swans but have added ingredients that make it look like it's fun to play - it's sure fun to watch.

It's good to be in Melbourne during grand final week. The number of Port Adelaide fans roaming the streets grew as the week went on, there were many (too many) Eagles supporters, a church in the city displayed the colours of the competing teams and advertised a talk by the Essendon chaplain and at the Victoria Hotel near the markets there would be free beer from opening bounce to first goal. I wonder how much beer was poured in those seven minutes.

Getting into the MCG was easy. Then there was the pre-game entertainment.

There was some nightclub style music as the soundtrack to action on the big screen... no. There was the rock band Jet. I looked around me as they played. No interest at all. It didn't make sense; it added nothing to the day and would have cost the AFL about $50,000.

There was the parade of retiring players. A new style was tried. Next year they'll go back to the simple motorcade.

There was the line-up of premiership cups. This probably looked good on TV and it was a valiant idea. The acrobat delivering the cup was... over the top.

The AFL should do a rethink on the pre-game thing and stay mindful of the fact that people are there for the game.

They should look no further for inspiration than the idea that's been in for a few years now of Auskick kids handing the medals to the premiership players. Despite being sullied a little by some West Coast players in 2006 the medal presentation is a beautiful end to the season and this year the Cats were wonderful with the touch they added of handing caps to the kids. If you get the chance just watch how skilfully Gary Ablett put the cap on the head of his Auskicker.

After the game I walked to my digs North Melbourne listening all the while to ABC Radio's wrap up of the game... perfect.

26 October 2007

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