Grand Final Fever!
Welcome to the greatest show on earth, welcome to the place where dreams are fulfilled and individuals become champions, the 2007 RDFL Grand Final is just days away and the mighty Woodend Hesket Hawks are on the verge of something extremely special... a much deserved crack at the greatest silverware in football... the Premiership cup.
The weather is heating up and the humidity is rising because this week, the butterflies have been out in their drones as they fill the stomach of each person at the club. This is the big one, the one we've all been waiting for and the Under 18 and Senior teams will show the competition just what the spirit of the Hawk is all about. While the Reserves didn't quite make it to the big Dance, they have already shown such tremendous passion and heart to achieve such great success.
The spotlight is now on E.J and Gidds as they dig deep to lead their charges to the Holy Grail. The players have their say in it as well, to dispose of their nerves and focus less on the game... here are a few thoughts to exactly what some of them might do to relax themselves.
Chucker (U18's):- Chuck loves his heavy metal barking music but there is every chance we could very well hear the tunes of Beethoven blearing from the car speakers on the way to the game on Sunday, just for a change of pace.
Doitch (U18's):- Some quality time in front of the mirror putting in the hair product and sprucing himself up with the hair comb for a few hours looking his best for the day. Maybe add some more blonde to the hair?
Johnno (1sts):- The Skipper will laze back and listen to a little bit of Jimmy Hendrix. If he isn't laid back enough, this music will make him feel a little more relaxed than usual.
Juba (1sts):- Trying to outdrink Chrisso the night before a game. He loves to get revved up and I think the disappointment of not being able to outdrink Chrisso is enough to get him more angry, or Chrisso stirring him up because he can't have a drink before the game anyway.
Chettle (U18's):- Lots of Tea and Coffee. The kettle hasn't boiled too much in recent times, we think if he boils over in this game, it might be the explosion he needs to keep him on his feet and firing from all angles.
Sheabo (1sts):- An Auctioneering competition with John Keating. While JPK doesn't sell sheep stations, we believe that a win for Sheabo will be just the ammunition he needs to come out firing.
Wilbur (U18's):- The Basketball champion will be watching Space Jam the night before the big game and listening to every word of the song 'I Believe I can Fly' as MJ Michael Jordan struts his incredible magic against the Acme cartoons.
Salpie & Pistol Pete Manser (1sts):- A quick game of backyard cricket before the big one. Pete will try and bowl his 150km/h bouncers and try and clean up Salpie who hits the ball over the fence for 6. Pete gets revved up because that doesn't happen too often, Salpie feels the anger because he ignored the 6 and out rule and Pete takes the honours.
Gidds(1sts):- He'll be on the phone to Kevin Sheedy before the game for some coaching advice... how to beat the black with red sash. Gidds will give Sheeds some advice on how to play your young players... off the wing, in defence and never bring in old recycled players to take their place when the kids are playing well.
EJ(U18's):- On the phone to Stevo getting all the pre-game advice. Stevo will simply reply with 'How am I s'posed to know, I'm just an Assistant Coach?'... EJ will feel the reign of superiority and thus feel like he has the edge on his opposing coach.
These are just a few ideas but everyone is feeling the excitement. The Under 18's will feel the confidence of lifting against Romsey and continue their unbeaten run of taking it one game at a time until the final siren of the season sounds and people climb over the fence to celebrate a win, but like EJ says, just one game at a time, we're not thinking about the end just yet.
The Seniors will feel the confidence after overcoming 2 top teams in successive weeks and head into the game knowing that they have been the only team to knock down the Bombers this season. Gidds is an emotional person and thrives off the heart and spirit of each player... no, he isn't a cannibal, he just believes in his players.
As for the crew off the field, the committee, the fans and everyone else involved to bring the team success... this is your day to celebrate. It's clichèd to say that you'll have 22 players running out on the ground and carry the spirit of their fans behind them, but there is an element of truth to it. Walk down the streets of Woodend leading up to the Grand Final and you'll see and feel just how much this town is behind you... then when you run out on the day through the banner, you'll hear just how much they are behind you.
As a great philosopher once said... "Destiny isn't a matter of chance, Destiny is a matter of choice"... go out and choose your destiny.
Last Modified on 06/04/2008 15:16