Do you remember the days when teams that travelled to Newcastle feared the trip knowing they’d have to take the game down the wire to have a chance of winning?
This year Newcastle won six of 12 home games, the first time since 2014, when they won seven from 12, they’ve won 50 per cent or more of their home encounters.
Even the home games they lost this year at Marathon – I still call it Marathon and always will, even though the ground is named McDonnell Jones Stadium – Newcastle took the game do the bell.
If we were to go over their home record of the last five years, we’ll see the difference.
Season 2015
Four wins, 12 losses
Their biggest win was 30-2 over the Gold Coast Titans in Round 19; their biggest loss was 44-22 to the Canberra Raiders in Round 13.
Season 2016
One win, two losses
Their biggest and only win was 18-16 over the Wests Tigers in Round 6; their biggest loss was 62-0 to the Cronulla Sharks in Round 10.
Season 2017
Four wins, 12 losses
Their biggest win was 26-10 over the New Zealand Warriors in Round 22; their biggest loss was 44-12 to the Melbourne Storm in Round 24.
Season 2018
Four wins, 12 losses
Their biggest win was 30-24 over the Gold Coast Titans in Round 19; their biggest loss was 48-10 to the Cronulla Sharks in Round 12.
Season 2019
Six wins, 12 losses
Their biggest win 42-6 over the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 22; their biggest loss was 26-18 to the Manly Sea Eagles in Round 5
The 2018-19 period represents a massive improvement. I’m not talking about two extra wins at home, which itself would be an improvement. It just goes to show just how much our players really want to play for the fans and the town.
As time goes on, our home ground will become a fortress again. Our record for most home wins in one season is 11, not including finals, so that means the Knights will have to win all 12 of their home games in the regular season to break that. It could happen one season, but I don’t know when.
We want to see our players giving their all every home game, and even in the matches they lost this year that’s what they done. However, of course we want them to win. The famous “New-cas-tle” chant makes us fans in the crowd the 18th man. We want teams travelling towards Newcastle shitting bricks knowing it’s going to be damn near impossible to come away with the win.
As the years roll on, Marathon will become a fortress once more.
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
I feel like Max Power is a bit of a negative nancy. Jumps on here to bag people out.
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
An article written out of emotion rather than straight unbiased facts
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
Wont happen for at least a couple more years. Sounds like wishful thinking. Perhaps delusional thinking. This team doesnt have the right attitude.
terrance
Guest
Yes Adrian, in due time it might happen. But go to bed now because the adults are talking.
Paul
Roar Guru
I don't doubt it. Any city that can produce the players they did 20 years ago and the crowds to support them, will get their just rewards. It'd be great for the competition to see a free flowing Knights team challenging for a premiership again.
The King of the World
Roar Guru
I thank you sir for the compliments but in due time, it will happen.
Paul
Roar Guru
Adrian, your passion for the Knights is truly amazing and your desire for the Club to do well is so typical of Knights fans. Sadly though you have way too many elements missing right now to expect Marathon to become "fortress Newcastle" overnight - new coach, a squad lacking confidence, no workable game plan and one or two key position players missing. Get these things right and in a few years, you may be right, opposition sides might start to fear the trip to Newcastle.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Wishful thinking Adrian. Its not the ground and the fans that will make the difference. The key is to have a roster of quality and committed players. If you have a squad that can win 12 home games in a season, you have probably got a team that wins most of its away matches as well, and you are probably minor premiers and serious contenders for the GF. Sort of like the Storm & Roosters ! Get your roster right and the world is your oyster.
Max power
Guest
Evidence presented - zero
Emcie
Roar Guru
Edit: nevermind
The King of the World
Roar Guru
Okay, this is unfortunate. It’s meant to say x amount of wins in 12 games not 12 losses. Whoops!