Football is well adept at creating the endearing sporting tale. They say truth is stranger than fiction – and at times, the phrase is rather apt.
Last Sunday the sequence continued, with the symmetry restored. Geelong, sticking with rule of five, added another VFL premiership to its impressive list of accolades. 2002, 2007, and now 2012 premiers. It’s a fitting reward for a club that is the clear benchmark in the VFL/AFL stand-alone program.
While the quirky omen is retained, there were a number of interesting observations from the 2012 VFL Grand final, which saw the Cats lift the cup after a hard-fought 33 point win against Port Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
Geelong again prevailed over the Borough on the 10th anniversary of their memorable 2002 VFL grand final. The likes of Bartel, Ablett, Johnson and Kelly, now replaced by new upstarts like George Burbury, George Horlin-Smith and Josh Walker.
Similarly, Orren Stephenson made it four from four in Grand Final wins at Etihad Stadium. The now Geelong ruckmen added another premiership medal to his collection, following his previous three with North Ballarat.
Geelong got off to the perfect start, with consecutive goals to Jonathan Simpkin and Mitch Brown in the first five minutes. Had it not been a misjudgement from Simon Hogan, playing on in the goal square only to be smothered by Port captain John Biard, the start could’ve been more promising.
While, the reigning premiers headed the Cats, Geelong, on the vast Etihad Stadium surface, ran strongly. Jackson Sheringham, Jesse Stringer and Jed Bews all broke the lines.
The premiership quarter was largely a stalemate, but Geelong appeared to slowly wear down the defending champs taking a slender, yet important, one goal lead into the last change.
While, inaccuracy cruelled the Cats, the intent and desire was unwavering. A set shot from VFL-listed player Mark Corrigan put Port Melbourne on the canvass, with George Burbury’s 26th minute goal the knockout blow. Shannon Byrnes would goal after the siren to sign off an unforgettable day, which sees the cup return down the highway. While, the young brigade were catalysts in the victory, it was an ideal send-off for Geelong favourites David Wojcinski and Simon Hogan.
Geelong coach Matthew Knights summed up the win in succinct style in the rooms.
“Once this team got rolling late in the game there was no stopping them, it was a great team effort,” Knights said.
The first-year premiership coach attributed a significant part of the grand final win to the young players.
“The youth from round one this year made it happen. They helped Troy [Selwood] and took the team by the scruff of the neck and showed leadership. When you’ve got Horlin-Smith and Hogan and Stringer and guys like that showing leadership beyond their years it certainly all bodes well for a good season,” Knights said.
Geelong captain Troy Selwood supported the sentiments, noting the style of football Geelong cultivates.
“We teach a brand of football at Geelong, where you’ve got win contested football and you’ve got to really value that. When you need to go, you’ve got to go. I’m extremely proud of them all,” Selwood said.
Perhaps, the most fitting aspect of the win was reserved for retiring Cat David Wojcinski, who leaves football on the most satisfying note.
“To finish it off and really get something out of the year was sensational. And, the boys couldn’t play any better today. [I’m] just so happy to come home with win.” Wojcinski said.
Whether it was the mark of the day from retiring veteran Wojcinski or the excitement of Norm Goss medallist George Horlin-Smith, Geelong enjoyed a stellar, storybook afternoon – capping off a fantastic season.
By Kane Hunkin
Last Modified on 26/09/2012 15:56