After a performance that would have many assuming Manly players raided Anthony Watmough’s Stilnox supply, it’s still hard to get a true bearing on Melbourne’s form heading into the grand final.
They cleaned up the reigning premiers 40-12 in a seven tries to two thrashing and looked slick in passages of the game, especially with quick movement around the rucks.
The Storm utilised the the inside pass after the first ball from the ruck to great effect. They easily beat what was in front of them, and nothing more could be asked of them.
But in reality, what was in front of them was an embarrassment.
There is not a side in the competition that wouldn’t have beaten Manly tonight, such was the ineptitude of their game.
It is hard to imagine a more painful 80 minutes for Sea Eagles supporters, who must have been wondering who these players were in maroon and white.
From the opening tackle when Anthony Watmough dropped the ball, to the haplessness of Tony Williams spilling the first pass from a tap re-start, which led directly to Melbourne’s first try, it is hard to recall a more diabolical performance from a side in a finals game.
Perhaps, the St George Dragons collapse in the 1975 grand final against Easts is comparable, just.
Manly failed to hold the ball for more than two tackles in a set eight times in the game.
Just what Daly Cherry-Evans was thinking when he twice failed to kick a goal-line drop out ten metres is unclear. Injuries to Matt Ballin and Steve Matai didn’t help the cause and Jason King could not have been playing at 100% fitness.
Perhaps a pain-killing needle to his shoulder caused him to lose the feeling in his hands.
You hate to be critical as a fan and getting to the preliminary final as reigning premiers is a great effort in the salary cap era. Expert analyst Daniel Anderson on ABC Grandstand picked the Eagles to win, as did TV’s Andrew Johns and Darren Lockyer.
But the horror show at AAMI Park was best summed up by Channel Nine commentator Ray Warren. As Brett Kite knocked on on the first tackle in the last 40 seconds of the game, Warren commented, “Well, the game is going to finish as it started.”
Which brings us back to the Storm. As clinical as they were tonight, this was a stroll for them, a gift wrapped up with a bow on top.
Coach Craig Bellamy would be delighted that his side are in the grand final but I wonder whether he might have been hoping for a sterner test.
Their game against Souths a fortnight ago looked to be running a similar course and they are the common denominator in those two below-par efforts from their opponents.
Yet it would be wrong to say that the mistakes made by Manly were a result of ferocious defence or relentless pressure.
Perhaps in that respect the Storm may have something in the tank when they face what will surely be a sterner test next weekend against the Bulldogs or the Rabbitohs.
Bearfax
Guest
I think they played their grand final against the Cowboys. Didnt have much left in the tank. Its been a long tough year for Manly what with Dessie's defection along with half the coaching/training staff and recruiters, numerous suspensions, some lengthy, numerous injuries, some lengthy, an administration in constant conflict and a new coach with minimal preparation time, taking over a side where over half the team were unsure of where they would be the following year and contractual issues lasting all the way to the semis. I was really surprised they got as far as they did. But the signs were on the wall early with the number of times they just won during the season, a defence pattern that was OK but an attack that was like a 6 cylinder vehicle running over time on 3-4 cylinders. Manly looked a tired and uncertain outfit throughout the year and it was evidence that some of the old soldiers in the team are near their used by date (no disrespect intended given their contributions in the past). I notice that Manly have an outstanding forward and back in their junior ranks who will be vying for first grade next year as well as a couple of talented junior recruits from New Zealand, Parramatta and a potential star forward in Chee-Can from Canberra. They will need a couple of these kids to impress in the off season and vie for first grade positions next year, because they definitely need an infusion of youth and enthusiasm if they are to challenge next year. This year was always going to be Melbourne, Canterbury or South's year, and now we are down to the last 2, and probably the best performed teams in the '12 competition.
Renegade
Guest
They were appalling against the dogs as well....completion rate was in 50-60% range - the only difference was that they were playing the storm who are on another level.
Bearfax
Guest
Then you have been twice blessed my son. Go in peace and sin no more.
apaway
Roar Guru
Funny you should say that Bearfax. I've been to both Narrabeen AND Brookvale today!
Bearfax
Guest
Good to hear Apaway. Could you see if some of your colleagues could join you. Their delusions are getting worse and I suspect serious endemic paranoid dysfunction. I think a holiday on the Sydney Northern beaches would be great therapy. Narrabeen has a nice caravan park for starters. Could even drop into the MW Leagues Club en route for a settler.
RebelRanger
Guest
Manly didn't go into this finals game with all the drama Melbourne went with into their final with Manly.
apaway
Roar Guru
Viva We don't "all" dislike Manly. Many of us are in therapy today!
Bearfax
Guest
When you're not quite functioning on all cylinders in the finals, blow outs can occur. Just ask Melbourne about their 40-0 loss a few years back. Same team more or less but without Smith and not quite playing up to standard they got flogged. Manly had several injuries they were carrying into the game (Matai, Watmough, King, Lyon, Ballin) and had had to handle very tough games against the Dogs and Cowboys, both excellent and tough teams. Manly looked tired and were tired. The mistakes were as much to do with the Melbourne relentlessness as they were to mental and physical weariness. No surprise that that was their worst performance of the year along with an earlier Newcastle match when half the team were down with the flu.
apaway
Roar Guru
That's not exactly what I said Mushi, and I did make the point that they played what was in front of them. But let's be honest; the Sea Eagles did not present a threat to the Storm last night in any aspect.
apaway
Roar Guru
Not sure I'd agree with that, Andy. Manly's first half against the Bulldogs was solid. Their first half against the Storm was mind-boggling.
Bearfax
Guest
But for you opening comment and comments about Matai, I otherwise more or less agree with you. Actually I suspect they were carrying quite a few injuries and the last two hard games had taken their toll. But I dont want to take away from the performance of the Storm. They were machine like and have been now for several weeks. What we saw against Manly is premiership winning form. Good luck to them.
Bearfax
Guest
Borrowing and varying a famed quote Oikee, 'We'll be back'. Manly weren't up to it this year. Even did better than I expected. But I'm looking forward to Manly's first match against Brisbane next year. Ahhhhh there's always something pleasurable to look forward to as a Manly supporter, isnt there
Maarten V
Guest
NF I totally agree with your comments, it was great to see Manly receiving a thrashing that was due.
oikee
Guest
:) yeah, like angry bees. Well said.
vivalasvegan
Guest
We all dislike Manly... I can't stand them... But to me, from the very first hit up, they seemed overly prepared. It was the battle of control and structure against aggression and intimidation. When they get on a roll they can be horribly awesome, but last night Manly looked so fired up for the big shots that they forgot to do the simple stuff, like catch balls. Great to Matai hobbling around again... He is a tough hombre who likes to dish it up but man alive, can he pick up an injury. He is a total liability for any team. I was shouting at the telly to keep him on the field. When he isn't smashed up he is illegally smashing others up and giving daft penalties away... Lets hope he plays for Manly until he is fifty... Melbourne were awesome though... Just hope that this wasn't the Grand Final performance. Looking forward to the Bunnies and Dogs big men wiping each other out tonight!
bbt
Guest
Analyze Storm's form? They have scored a total of 64 points against 18 in this finals series. I am not certain what more statistics are required. Manly's forwards, like the Rabbitos ones, are at least 15-20% bigger than Storm's. The forwards, most commentators agree, are Storm's weakness. They were rated lowest in size and muscle of the final 8. Storm's forwards are like angry bees, swarming all over the opposition. Also, their size is a plus when it comes to the final quarter of a game. They are champions. Can't wait to see them against the Dogs!!
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
apaway I am with you, I dont know how to analyze the Storm's form. Manly only had an amazing 36% of the ball simply because they could not hold on to it making 17 errors and completing 55% of their sets. They only made 774m in the entire game and they would normally do that in 40 mins.. To be honest, when a team has 64% of the ball and completes at 82% they should score over 50 points.
Matt
Guest
40-12 with a ton of missed conversions, how much influence did they really have. Last week was massively boosted.
Bearfax
Guest
Difference is Manly supporters accept their defeats with grace, not bad sportsmenship. Note below not one grumble about the refs
Meesta Cool
Guest
Great post Bearfax. I agree with everything you said. The pressure of two tough games killed Manly.