Re: ELIMINATION FINAL : Ninth Beats Ninthmond (Ha Ha Ha Ending)
Reply #28 –
Make no mistake, the last two weeks are what great winning cultures are bred from.
Absolutely epic effort, I thought we played really well for the whole four quarters and were just absolutely crucified by the umpires in the first half. Richmond scored four goals directly from soft free kicks/50m penalties and we couldn't buy one going the other way.
How amazing is Nick Duigan's story? Absolutely written off for most of the season, wasn't even in the side 5 minutes before the game, then steps up and shuts Deledio out of the game before booting a lazy 4 straight himself. He's just bought himself about 10 years worth of free beers after he finishes playing as long as he drinks around an even half passionate Carlton supporter.
Bryce Gibbs and Marc Murphy just stood up in the biggest possible way in the highest pressure game either of them would have played. I'm so proud of them, and am happy to laugh at myself for suggesting either be traded after the loss to Essendon. If they can bring that sort of quality every week, we will be very hard to beat.
Eddie Betts too, played easily his best game for the year. Not just in terms of the goals he scored but also his play around the ground. He was clutch and so very, very reliable. May have just played himself into a new Carlton contract. Brilliant!
Robbo, I didn't know what to say when you punched the ball through for that certain Richmond goal, but your intensity showed our boys what finals footy was all about and you could see the lads walking taller when you were around. Brilliant game and set the standard for physicality. Even his disposal was better today for the most part.
How good is Lachie Henderson? I wish we had four of him, we'd never lose a game. No matter where he was on the ground he was courageous and rock solid. I don't think he made a mistake all game.
Juddy, I can't believe anyone doubted your ability to run out there and have an influence. You dragged us back into the game in the third quarter like you'd turned back the clock 3 years and you could see the boys around him lift as a result. You may not be captain anymore, but you're still a spiritual leader at the club.
Simmo, I love you, and have even started growing my own beard in honour of yours. Another brilliant game under absurd pressure and you showed just how up to it you are.
OUR LEADERSHIP GROUP! - Every single one of you bar Carrots who wasn't playing showed today just why you were put into those positions. You were instrumental in LEADING us to victory and lifting the boys all over the park.
Mick Malthouse - Haha to anyone who doubted the man, he's now taken us as far as we've been in the past what? 13 years? After finishing 9th on the ladder. You can see the belief the boys have in themselves and you can see everyone finally starting to look like they're playing for each other and playing for the jumper instead of themselves. That's got to at least be partly accredited to the coach.
Sorry to anyone I missed out in my summary above, I'm pretty emotional and just so very proud of the boys right now. You lifted for my departed Dad on Father's Day last week, you lifted again today, and next week you get to do it again on what would have been his birthday if he'd still been with us. I have no doubt that he's still chugging down brews and cheering you all on.
Go you Blue Boys!!!