It was a beautiful day for footy on Saturday when a huge crowd greeted the two combatants for the 2009 TAFL Grand Final. It was a match that did not disappoint, and for the third consecutive year, a GF that involved the Saints was decided by less than 2 goals. Unfortunately, for the second time, the Saints were on the wrong end of the ledger of another great match.
The first quarter started with all the intensity you would expect of a GF. The Saints seemed a little nervy early, and made alot of simple fumbling errors in the first 5 minutes. After conceding the first goal of the game, the Saints regrouped and were able to take some control of the flow of the game. A late Swans goal brought the margin back to just a point at the first change, and despite playing well below their best, the Saints were a least in the contest.
That all changed in the second, where the Swans took complete control of the ball and didn't allow the Saints a chance back in. They threw everything they had at the Swans but could not get back into the game, and the 20 point halftime deficit flattered the rattled Saints.
The match hit a stalemate in the third. The premiership quarter is often where it is won and lost, and during this time it was the Swans who earned their title. Despite having little of the ball and against all momentum, the Swans held firm and kept the Saints at bay. They were able to respond every time the Saints charged and if a shot at goal was straight late in the quarter would they would have well and truly broken the hearts of the Saints.
The last was all about the first goal, and the Saints managed not just the first but the first 2 to get back to a 10 point deficit. A quick response from the Swans steadied the ship, but another 2 quick ones had the Saints to within a straight kick and charging. However, despite dominating the play, and having multiple shots on goal, the Saints could not find the killer blow. As often happens, the Swans were able to rebound and find the goals easily with just 5 minutes to play and then defended their line brilliantly in the last moments of the game to take the title.
It was another devastating loss for the Saints who now have to wait 6 months to bounce back from one of their worst performances this year. There are plenty of positives to come from the match, but any team that finds themselves at the wrong end of a 17 - 4 halftime free kick count cannot expect to win many games. If the Saints can work out their problems with giving away free kicks, they could become very hard to beat.
We now look forward to the Presentation Night, which is being held at the Royal on Friday 25th September. Tickets need to be pre purchased and can be found at Country an Working Gear in Byron St.
Last Modified on 15/09/2009 12:48