We got the classic grand final predicted last week, probably the best since Clunes ran over the top of Dunnstown in 97. The game was a credit to both clubs as given the horrible conditions again endurd at the Northen Oval both sides were able to play a reasonable standard of football. Daylesford required all of their guns firing to grab the win.
There are a number of issues coming out of Grand Final day that the CHFL have to address now though. What are people's thoughts on the following issues:
1. Has the day just become a big piss up for people not even slightly interested in the footy? I saw too blokes being kicked out before the senior game was started, it was a poor reflection on the league Saturday
2. Why do we perservere with the Northern Oval (other than the extra dollars) when every person and player you speak to dislikes going there
3. What are the alternatives? Personally I don't like Learmonth it is almost as windy as the Northern Oval and the atmosphere is generally no better
i might be in the minority here, but every time i go to the footy i prefer to actually watch it, and maybe learn something. Cant recall ever being drunk at a footy match. Simple solution, CHFL only serves light beer at its Grand Final, if the police or security get complaints about drunken behavior, then they can evict them from the arena. obviously they have smuggled their alcohol in. It might drop the crowd numbers because of the dick heads who cant drink, but it also might encourage more families to attend as well.
Venue... for me Saturdays game would have also been a classic at the Eastern Oval. Best ground going around, but probably impossible to get if the BFL are holding finals there if a Ballarat based club is hosting a home final .
I also love the Learmonth oval, but can also see the leagues point of view of trying to hold it in Ballarat, more money, which in turn means more money back to our clubs.... Hard to get the right answer on this one.
Havn't heard of any fight between us and Daylesford at 6.00
Now onto the game itself
What an amazing game. For us shattering, to lead for probably 99% of the match. i think when Ash Wedding kicked that point in the dying seconds, our players probably thought it was all over.... Probably everyone at the ground did.... Daylesford had one chance left and took the gamble. It was like watching a horror movie as the nightmare unfolded in front of our eyes, spare Bulldog players everywhere running up the Grand stand wing. And Button's kick. Brilliant.
Its the best bit of play in country footy under extreme pressure ive seen. ( in regards to lack of time remaining)
Superb Grand Final definetly the best since 97, from a nuteral supporters prospective.
Not an excuse, i am not sure of the rule.... Ash Wedding kicks a point. A Daylesford water boy standing beside the goal umpire between the posts and the fence marks the ball and hands it straight to Rob Rodgers who inturn kicks the ball back into play straight away, saving vital seconds. Those vital seconds lost may have allowed our players to either man up or at least form some sort of a zone.
Im wondering....
1. is the water boy allowed to be there behind the goals in the first place?
2. isnt the waterboys job to deliver water, not mark the footy and hand it to a player ?
3. If a waterboy grabs the footy is it a free kick?
Not sooking here, i have been going over it a thousand time in my head trying to work out how they had so many loose men so quickly, and only picked it up when i looked at the replay.
( does anyone know the ruling here ? )
Like i said im not sooking, good luck to the Bulldogs, they kept coming at us and eventually overhauled us with 6 seconds on the clock.
There has been a lot of respect shown between both clubs since Saturday, with most players catching up for a drink.
Its a very healthy rivalry...