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A truly memorable AFL grand final

Roar Guru
2nd October, 2016
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The 2016 AFL grand final. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)
Roar Guru
2nd October, 2016
27

Congratulations to the Western Bulldogs on their superb win in the AFL grand final in what was a truly memorable match.

For the Western Bulldogs to be able to withstand the concerted onslaught and pressure from the far more experienced Sydney Swans outfit – considering that not one Western Bulldog had played in a grand final before – showed a huge amount of courage and resolve.

With the momentum swings huge during the match both teams appeared to have control at various stages, but the undeniable will to win of the Bulldogs seemed to break the heart of the Swans in the final quarter.

The most remarkable aspect of all was that the Sydney Swans midfield was well on top for large portions of the match, yet the Bulldogs hung in there and refused to take a back step. Did the Bulldogs ride the ‘wave of emotion’ from their huge fan-base or was it the great self belief within the team that got them their first premiership in 62 years?

If anybody had any doubts at all about how close the Western Bulldogs are as a team those doubts would have been alleviated with an act of kindness which epitomised true sportsmanship. Coach Luke Beveridge presented the Bulldogs’ injured captain Robert Murphy with his Premiership medallion and then allowed him to hoist the Premiership Trophy aloft with Easton Wood.

If the Bulldogs team stays together it could very well be the start of a dynasty. With such a young roster they’ll only get better from the experience of playing in their first AFL grand final. The confidence that they would have derived from defeating such a strong Sydney Swans team will surely make them a formidable opponent next year and beyond.

The Western Bulldogs deserve all of the adulation and plaudits that are about to come their way as their Victory was truly inspiring after having to overcome so much adversity throughout the season.

In what was a match for the ages the 2016 AFL grand final will go down as one of the greatest of all time.

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