Return of the Big V: Good Idea Or Just A Good Game?
May 11th 2008 10:00
I wasn’t sure how my emotions would work during the tribute match last night but, I have to say, the heart was pumping on a number of occasions through-out. I found myself urging Fevola to take a pack mark, barracking for Adam Goodes to bust through stoppages, and cheering when Boomer Harvey kicked the sealer late in the fourth.
I really enjoyed the introduction of the players as they ran out onto the field. It gave an air of grandeur and set the atmosphere perfectly. It also gave the viewer a chance to assess the selections of the players, and I felt there were certainly a couple of question marks concerning the Victorian inclusions of Scott Pendlebury and Nathan Foley. Happy to say, Foley was a revelation – I know he’s produced some outstanding plays in home and away games but to see him do it against the best of the best was exciting to watch.
You couldn’t really argue with the Dream Team selections although I didn’t think Cam Mooney’s form this year had been anything to write home about, and he was comprehensively beaten by his Cats team mate, Matthew Scarlett.
However, I think I can safely state that the worst performer on the ground was Jarrod Waite. He’s got all the physical attributes of a top-liner, but had his pants pulled down by his Dream Team opponents. I’d equate his performance to an immature 3-year-old thoroughbred stepping up to Group 1 company for the first time and being beaten 12 lengths. Perhaps he’ll be better coming back next year in the Spring, after a spell in the paddock. I should mention, Ben Rutten wasn’t far behind in worst-on-ground votes.
Another disappointing display came from Geelong’s Joel Selwood. Although I firmly believe he deserved to be wearing the Big V, he let himself down with a couple of poor disposals. And in a game highlighted by supreme skills, mistakes stood out like a sore thumb.
On the flip-side, it has to be said that Buddy Franklin looks set to become the best player in the game since sliced bread……or Wayne Carey. He wasn’t at his flamboyant best last night, but still managed nine scoring shots, kicking 4.5. If he kicks 7.2 the Dream Team wins. And that’s his value. One of the few in footy who are legitimate game winners for their team. Without him, Hawthorn would not be considered serious contenders to Geelong’s throne.
Other notable Dream Team performances came from Peter Burgoyne, who racked up possessions like they were going out of style, and a surprise cameo from Collingwood’s Leon Davis who kicked three important goals.
From the Victorian side, Scarlett stood up and stood out. He beat any opponent he went to, and then broke the lines running through the centre corridor to set up fruitful forays forward (now that’s a tongue-twister!). Chris Judd was Judd-like, and the rucks, Simmonds and Fraser, performed admirably against Cox. But the player voted best on ground, and deserved Allen Aylett medalist, was Brendan Fevola. He took contested marks, chased hard, and claimed a tally of 6 goals 2 points. He showed genuine endeavour, passion, and excitement, and few would argue with the decision of awarding him B.O.G. I’m sure Rutten and Bok wouldn’t have argued.
I understand that the logistics of making Dream Team/State games an annual event is difficult but I would love to see match-ups like this at least every four years. As evidence from last night, a substantial break would build the anticipation and the public’s excitement (as it does for the Olympics and the Soccer World Cup), and the players would be instilled with ambition and desire to be a part of it.
But there are always the inevitable arguments over injuries. The fact of the matter is, injuries can occur at any time – during the regular season, pre-season, or off-season. Just ask Josh Gibson from North Melbourne. He hurt his brain taking a leak! I’ve heard some doosies in my time, but that takes the cake. I guess that doesn’t ease the pain for Collingwood fans that, if early reports are accurate, could be missing Josh Fraser anywhere from four to ten weeks.
Nevertheless, State games should be held in as high esteem as you see in Rugby League. That they are not is a travesty.
And so it is, that last night’s game has inspired me to create the following Top 20 List of Players I Most Like To Watch: (comments/criticism welcome)
1. Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin
2. Chris Judd
3. Nick Riewoldt
4. Matthew Scarlett
5. Chad Cornes
6. Ryan Griffen
7. Luke Hodge
8. Brendan Fevola
9. Nathan Foley
10. Matthew Richardson
11. Joel Selwood
12. Max Hudgton
13. Robert Harvey
14. Dean Cox
15. Aaron Sandilands
16. Leon Davis
17. Brad Johnson
18. Steve Johnson
19. Cyril Rioli
20. Austin Wonaeamirri (after his action-packed performance to bring the Demons back from the brink of disaster, and I am a Melbourne supporter after all. Ssshhhh, don’t tell anyone!).
I really enjoyed the introduction of the players as they ran out onto the field. It gave an air of grandeur and set the atmosphere perfectly. It also gave the viewer a chance to assess the selections of the players, and I felt there were certainly a couple of question marks concerning the Victorian inclusions of Scott Pendlebury and Nathan Foley. Happy to say, Foley was a revelation – I know he’s produced some outstanding plays in home and away games but to see him do it against the best of the best was exciting to watch.
You couldn’t really argue with the Dream Team selections although I didn’t think Cam Mooney’s form this year had been anything to write home about, and he was comprehensively beaten by his Cats team mate, Matthew Scarlett.
However, I think I can safely state that the worst performer on the ground was Jarrod Waite. He’s got all the physical attributes of a top-liner, but had his pants pulled down by his Dream Team opponents. I’d equate his performance to an immature 3-year-old thoroughbred stepping up to Group 1 company for the first time and being beaten 12 lengths. Perhaps he’ll be better coming back next year in the Spring, after a spell in the paddock. I should mention, Ben Rutten wasn’t far behind in worst-on-ground votes.
Another disappointing display came from Geelong’s Joel Selwood. Although I firmly believe he deserved to be wearing the Big V, he let himself down with a couple of poor disposals. And in a game highlighted by supreme skills, mistakes stood out like a sore thumb.
On the flip-side, it has to be said that Buddy Franklin looks set to become the best player in the game since sliced bread……or Wayne Carey. He wasn’t at his flamboyant best last night, but still managed nine scoring shots, kicking 4.5. If he kicks 7.2 the Dream Team wins. And that’s his value. One of the few in footy who are legitimate game winners for their team. Without him, Hawthorn would not be considered serious contenders to Geelong’s throne.
Other notable Dream Team performances came from Peter Burgoyne, who racked up possessions like they were going out of style, and a surprise cameo from Collingwood’s Leon Davis who kicked three important goals.
From the Victorian side, Scarlett stood up and stood out. He beat any opponent he went to, and then broke the lines running through the centre corridor to set up fruitful forays forward (now that’s a tongue-twister!). Chris Judd was Judd-like, and the rucks, Simmonds and Fraser, performed admirably against Cox. But the player voted best on ground, and deserved Allen Aylett medalist, was Brendan Fevola. He took contested marks, chased hard, and claimed a tally of 6 goals 2 points. He showed genuine endeavour, passion, and excitement, and few would argue with the decision of awarding him B.O.G. I’m sure Rutten and Bok wouldn’t have argued.
I understand that the logistics of making Dream Team/State games an annual event is difficult but I would love to see match-ups like this at least every four years. As evidence from last night, a substantial break would build the anticipation and the public’s excitement (as it does for the Olympics and the Soccer World Cup), and the players would be instilled with ambition and desire to be a part of it.
But there are always the inevitable arguments over injuries. The fact of the matter is, injuries can occur at any time – during the regular season, pre-season, or off-season. Just ask Josh Gibson from North Melbourne. He hurt his brain taking a leak! I’ve heard some doosies in my time, but that takes the cake. I guess that doesn’t ease the pain for Collingwood fans that, if early reports are accurate, could be missing Josh Fraser anywhere from four to ten weeks.
Nevertheless, State games should be held in as high esteem as you see in Rugby League. That they are not is a travesty.
And so it is, that last night’s game has inspired me to create the following Top 20 List of Players I Most Like To Watch: (comments/criticism welcome)
1. Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin
2. Chris Judd
3. Nick Riewoldt
4. Matthew Scarlett
5. Chad Cornes
6. Ryan Griffen
7. Luke Hodge
8. Brendan Fevola
9. Nathan Foley
10. Matthew Richardson
11. Joel Selwood
12. Max Hudgton
13. Robert Harvey
14. Dean Cox
15. Aaron Sandilands
16. Leon Davis
17. Brad Johnson
18. Steve Johnson
19. Cyril Rioli
20. Austin Wonaeamirri (after his action-packed performance to bring the Demons back from the brink of disaster, and I am a Melbourne supporter after all. Ssshhhh, don’t tell anyone!).
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