With 2014 over but fresh in our minds, there were plenty of AFL moments we can still savour. Here are my 18 memories of the 2014 season, with one for each club.
Adelaide: The Showdown Win
For a team that flirted with good form throughout the year, Adelaide’s most memorable performance came in their home Showdown midway through the 2014 season.
They upset their red hot cross two rival Port Adelaide by four goals in a game that was closer than that. Eddie Betts dual goals from what was dubbed ‘Eddie’s Pocket’ stood out as the most memorable moment from a memorable win.
Brisbane: Justin Leppitsch celebrates his first win
For a player who, in the twilight of his career, spent a large chunk of his time winning, Leppitsch’s reaction in the coaching box as Brisbane saluted for the first time on Anzac Day in Wellington was priceless.
The irony of this reaction was at the time most wondered how many wins Brisbane would be having in recent times. How fast the game can turn that Brisbane are now one of the surprise packets for 2015.
Carlton: Mark Murphy’s gut-busting run against West Coast
Questions had been placed externally on the worthiness of Murphy as Carlton captain. After a slow start to the year Murphy almost single handily carried his team to a win over West Coast.
Outstanding all game, it was his dare to take the game on and his willingness to run even when spent that set up the match winning goal for Carlton on that day. The disappointment for Carlton this year was that with Murphy and Bryce Gibbs both excelling and showing consistent form, it still was not enough to be a finals team.
Collingwood: The Anzac Day comeback
Few would have predicted a Collingwood win on Anzac Day as Essendon raced to a six-goal second-quarter lead.
Instead this would be the catalyst for another great Anzac Day moment. Collingwood roared back into the game in the second quarter and dominated the second half, leading to a ten-goal turnaround from a 37-point deficit to a 23-point win. Dane Swan was the leader of the pack that day for the Magpies with 26 possessions and four goals including a memorable snap in the third quarter.
Essendon: Jake Carlisle’s fortnight of terror
One of the narratives of the season was the form of Carlisle and the bullishness from relief coach Mark Thompson that Carlisle was suited as a key forward. After early season struggles, Thompson was vindicated when Carlisle dominated Collingwood and Western in consecutive weeks late in the year with 12 goals and 31 marks in a stunning patch of form that helped Essendon on their finals march.
Fremantle: Opening night statement
In the fast paced world of the AFL it is sometimes easy to forget that 16 months ago Fremantle were close to a first premiership. They were given more marquee fixtures in 2014 on the back of that 2013 grand final appearance, with the opening game against Collingwood one of those matches.
The form that Fremantle showed on the opening night of the season was an ominous one that Fremantle were determined to go one better. Though injuries hurt throughout the season, after one night in 2014 Fremantle were by ladder, reputation and performance the best in the AFL.
Check out The Roar tomorrow for part II.
Follow Cameron and his “Mike To Cam Show” on Twitter @MTC_MIKETOCAM
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