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Luke Hodge of Hawthorn flies for a mark during the AFL Round 15 match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at the MCG, Melbourne. Slattery Media
For any AFL tragic the Hawthorn and Geelong match was a dream come true. Not only was it a traditional Saturday afternoon fixture between two Victorian teams at the MCG, but this was another classic contest between probably the game’s fiercest modern rivals.
Again the margin was less than a goal, and again the match was befitting a final.
It made me marvel at just how tough and courageous the gladiators of the AFL truly are, fighting to the death inside the colosseum of sport, putting on a spectacle like no other in Australia.
In the heat of battle AFL players must show the most intense and incredible courage and mental toughness. There are numerous acts of fearlessness and personal sacrifice that cause fans, coaches and players to wince with anticipation and sometimes even grave concern.
Campbell Brown is the best example, he only had six possessions but his second efforts are something to behold.
This is what makes our game great.
Nothing could separate the two teams all day, each and every piece of play as important as the last, every contest crucial in the context of the game.
You never really knew what was around the corner, who was going to step up when it mattered most or which team was going to leave the ground with their noses in front.
Both teams though can hold their heads high.
Effort after effort, grind after grind, challenge after challenge, there is no doubt in my mind that AFL football is the most entertaining and gruelling sport in Australia.
The speed of the game and angles of collisions are a true testament to the brutality.
A huge force can come from any direction and flatten you cold. In some instances the players are left helpless and at the mercy of the Gods.
But this is what makes the game so compelling, often a match becomes an intense war of attrition, as well as one of skill and precision.
Name another sport that has such high demands on its athletes in such a physically demanding environment.
In this one, the Cats won the battle by 2 points over the Hawks, but who will win the war this season when it comes to September is still very much the great unknown.
Geelong coach Mark Thompson says his warriors can still improve and with a number of players to return to the line up only a brave man would disagree.
After the match Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson was far from waving the white flag though, instead he said his side is already planning its next attack on the Cats and even said he hoped the two teams would meet again in the finals.
Well Clarko, if recent history is anything to go by, I think we all hope that happens too.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.