The Bird had great expectations for the day, but was also a little nervous after the two losses last week to last kicks of the games.
The week at training had been of the highest standard the team was keen eager and ready for the task ahead.
The coaches had stuck to the routine and had highlighted to the team that is was them who controlled the result, the work had been done it was up to them to be strong, believe in the plan and be prepared for the game ahead and expect the hard contest be it legal or illegal. To not worry what we could not control and be prepared to win.
From the outside looking in a sense of composure, strong belief and a good arrogance was a part of the player’s demeanor, and the Bird felt very confident.
The hard selection decisions made, the team announced and team was set the task to win the contest.
The usual Palm Beach trumpet being blown by some in the press but generally those who had played the Magpies this year had backed them win the flag.
The venue at Wilston Grange was ready and full credit to the Gorilla’s for setting up the venue for the Grand Final all at the Western Magpies where impressed.
The game started with the Western Magpies showing little nerves and their composure saw the team take control of the game with an outstanding first term, The forwards combined well and where too good for the Palm Beach backline, the Magpie back six where outstanding and the on ballers where controlling the mid field .
The Bird thinks Palm Beach are gone.
All that would be needed to put this show to bed was a good showing in the second quarter into the wind and the cup would be in our hands with a half to play. And it happened, the back six completely dominated the Palm Beach forward line with their pressure and run out of defense. This allowed our forwards to score more and increase the lead, The Magpies had control.
The Bird was very confident now and felt nothing would change in the second half and the Western Magpies would be 2012 Premiers.
Despite what you may read ( Palm Beach where never in the game ) the Pies started the third quarter well and added to the lead, and in the last half of the third quarter, well it was like watching the final half of a last quarter where the result was in and time was the only reason the game was still being played.
Palm Beach Kicked a couple of goals and closed the gap 51 points at 3 quarter time.
The coaching staff reminded the team that the intensity to play the full 4 quarters was the goal and asked the players to end the game with same intensity they started with.
It worked and the players continued to play with toughness, composure and skill. The Bird has never highlighted an individual player this year reports but feels it needs to be done today. Two contests stood out and deserve special merit.
- Jim Rozynski was hit in the 3rd Qtr with a stiff arm that would have resulted in a send off in a state of origin match, only to quickly get up and move the ball forward to another goal without the need to dust off of the jumper , The Bird is sure that inspired all out there that the Magpies where just to strong physically and mentally.
- The tackle of the year, in the last quarter with game in the bag, but the sound of the coaches request to maintain the intensity, Jimmy again put the body on the line and delivered the best fair tackle on the Palm Beach player resulting in a free kick to Jim.
Two outstanding efforts and moments in the game, no wonder Jimmy was awared best on ground.
The Bird normally lets what happens on the ground stay that way, but needs to express on this occasion the absolute disgust in the way that some Palm Beach players reacted to the fair tackle. In end 3 red card send offs says it all and all should be man enough to admit they acted in a cowardly manner.
To Micca
A great career and a great way to end it, complete with the scares to prove it from the day.
So to sum up the Final Bird game report
Sensational Season
18 wins 2 losses and a straight sets final series resulting in the Grand Final win and the title of
Premiers 2012.
Well done to the Grand Final team, the senior playing list, the coaches and the great support team at the Western Magpies
Look forward to Club Champion night on October 13.
Last Modified on 10/09/2012 14:10
