The AFL Grand Final is upon us with all the usual hype that we expect. The performances of the Cats and Hawks last weekend have led to expectation that it will be the classic Grand Final that we have to have after last year’s pussy cat picnic.
The Cats defeated the Bulldogs in what was a fairly tame affair. The “brave” Bulldogs are reported as having had their chances to cause an upset and, in particular, their poor kicking for goal was the cause of their demise.
Hardly.
The reality is that the Cats played a poor first quarter that reflected a week away from competition and it took them that period to rid themselves of their rusty skills.
The Bulldogs had a desperate quarter and against most other teams would have properly expected to have had a handy quarter-time lead. The absorption of this pressure by the Cats must have been a cause of concern for the Bulldogs…what else could they do but hope they could retain their pressure and hope to make the Cats pay for any skill errors?
The tactic of the Cats flooding back into the Bulldogs forward 50-metre arc caused the Bulldogs to expend energy and time by chipping the ball each and every way except forward.
From half-way through the second quarter the Cats turned from this essentially defensive tactic into one of strong offensive running through the corridor complemented by skillful foot and hand skills. They looked to their numerous forward options whereas the Bulldogs relied on the great Brad Johnson as their focal point.
The Cats were not going to lose this match from that point on. The tiring Bulldogs continued to give it their all but effort alone will never hold these Cats. Cliched as it is the impression of the Cats became one of a Team that did what it had to do. By the last quarter the Bulldogs were plugging away but only a lucky purple patch would have saved them…certainly not a quarter of skill errors at vital times. No blame should be placed on any player…prolonged exertion always diminishes the ability to perform fine skills.
There remains the question of how much improvement remains in the Cats for the Grand Final. Given the Hawks fierce game plan the Cats need to step up a notch.
Grand Final history is littered with thwarted certainty. Cats fans may be concerned that the win over the Bulldogs was not an impressive display . Has their team “gone off the boil”? Should they be worried as to what next Saturday can bring?
Clearly the answer lies in the imponderables. Can Ablett once again play the game at a level unattainable by mere mortals, can the Cats midfield hold the tough and talented Hawk opposition, will Franklin kick straight 8 times, can the mercurial Johnston and Selwood arrogantly dispose of their opponents and will the weather play a part ?
Prior to the start of September Cats fans would not have asked these questions. There is now a look of vincibility in the Cats. Are the Hawks good enough to grab the Holy Grail?
Mouth-watering match-ups will be the talk of the offices and pubs until the first bounce.
Equally important, however, will be the manner in which the umpires ply their trade. We all hope they get the balance right and give it their all – just as the Bulldogs did.
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