Almost Almanac #2

GEELONG v KANGAROOS
2.45pm, Sunday, September 9, Melbourne Cricket Ground

Christopher Riordan
History is always written after the event. Always by the winners and usually with a logical, linear explanation.

But it wasn't always expected to work out that way.

Here was the scenario espoused by the supporters around the sizzling snags at Arden Street training in the week leading up to the match.

North had just finished the minor round by comprehensively smashing the Western Bulldogs, claiming the double chance and boasting an in-form arsenal of players at the peak of their powers, spearheaded by the mercurial Daniel Wells and Brownlow fancy Brent Harvey. They, apparently, had nothing to lose. Bookies reported a groundswell of support for the Roos at $4.50 and above, and pundits talked up their chances.

This year, went the constant mantra, was all about respect. After apparently losing it last year, Dean Laidley and his men had now won wide acclamation for their game-style and its results. Challenges were consistently overcome; sceptics stared down.

So why not again? Mark Williams, Port's combative coach, had already fired some shots into the Cattery, reminding them of how a minor premiership guaranteed nothing and that they were but an injury or accident away from potential collapse. Matthew Egan's demise, then, took on sinister undertones and hinted at the start of the end. Their impregnable defence was built on stability and here was the crack. Inevitably tongues began wagging about the Pussies and their September jinx.

But none of this will feature in the history books. Instead the facts will record an unmitigated disaster for the Shinboners.

As was customary during the 2007 season, North began with fantastic endeavour and a clear plan to knock their opponents off their pure, running, skilful game. The umpires were on to this tactic from the start, being perhaps too generous to Gary Ablett and mistakenly harsh on some dubious holding-the-ball penalties.

But, for a time, the Kangas made the play. As the game found its rhythm, Michael Firrito, a welcome inclusion, heroically skittled all-comers and belted a goal just as Brad Ottens moved in to smash him, inspiring big Hamish McIntosh to follow up with another gem, and the Northeners had their noses in front and sniffing a win.

Alas, one more failed flurry forward, snuffed out by Tom Harley, was to be the last defiant sign of resistance. Paul Chapman's second goal caused analysts to discern a disturbing pattern emerging. Even blinkered Roos fans could see that their beloved Glenn Archer was being towelled and, worse, was a liability. Another goal to the bald Cat confirmed it, but wherever they moved Arch, calamity followed.

Joel Selwood drew the eye. The most recent of the Selwood brood to arrive on the scene is already a reason for going to watch the Cats. He gained possession and kicked off his left instep, at about 75 degrees, to spot up a teammate who I reckon didn't even know he was in the clear, let alone in this play. It was a reminder that for all those great players, like Arch, who are retiring this season, there are new stars to behold and none brighter than Joel Selwood.

In contrast, North's best young hopes looked lost amidst the hooped blur engulfing them. Jesse Smith and Daniel Wells were not alone as their side constantly appeared uncertain and hesitant. What a recipe for disaster! And weren't they cooked?

By the end of the first quarter Matthew Scarlett had established lordship over his defensive domain, seemingly unmanned and totally dominant. The Kangaroos' attempts at contact and frustrate seemed noble, but were also limited, and an acknowledgement of inferiority. By halfway through the second quarter the match was over. Not just in retrospect, but at the time. Players were overwhelmed. Some battled on. Daniel Harris was excellent - until someone trod on his hand.

What a first weekend of finals. All week we speculated on upsets: West Coast, Adelaide, Sydney and then North. But it was all a dream. The home and away season had established the hierarchy. Geelong had finished on top by a street. North fell in to fourth. Brave. Unheralded. Sure. But a realistic chance? No.

In keeping with the Spring Carnival form that now confronts us, the Roos had won impressively in the provincials. But this was Group racing, with the classics still to come. "Not up to this," would be the form comment for the Kangas.

The Cats? They have earned what the Kangaroos crave.

Geelong	3.5	10.10	16.16	23.10	(156)
Kangaroos	3.0	4.1	6.1	8.2	(50)

GOALS - Geelong: Mooney, Chapman 5; N. Ablett 3; Enright, G. Ablett, Ottens 2; Bartel, S. Johnson, Stokes, Mackie. Kangaroos: McIntosh, Grant, Brown, Petrie, Firrito, Edwards, Harvey, Wells.

BEST - Geelong: Bartel, Chapman, Scarlett, Mooney, Harley, J. Selwood, G. Ablett, Milburn, Stokes, Hunt. Kangaroos: Harris, Firrito, Edwards, McMahon, McIntosh.

Umpires:Margetts, McLaren, Jeffery.

Crowd:77,630.

Votes: Bartel (Geelong) 3, Chapman (Geelong) 2, Scarlett (G) 1.

The Footy Almanac 2007: The AFL season one game at a time edited by John Harms and Paul Daffey is published by Malarkey Publications. It is available in good bookshops or through The Age Store on 1300 656 052.

Signed copies can be ordered through Malarkey Publications

Apart from bookshops you'll find the The Footy Almanac 2007: The AFL season one game at a time at Newmarket Newsagency, Racecourse Rd, Flemington and Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale in Melbourne and in Perth at the Fremantle Team Store at Fremantle Oval and U-Brewit, Bannister Rd, Canning Vale.

22 January 2008

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