Believe me, if you want a sporting role model for your kids, you can't go past Rafa. THE most humble man in victory and the most gracious man in defeat, but the most fierce, yet fair competitor in battle.
A few years ago he came to the Oz Open on the back of victories in the French, Wimbledon and US, therefore going for the Slam. He cruised into the 4th round and pull a hammy against David Ferrer, but played out the match.
At the press conference afterwards, he had every reason to be totally pi$$ed, but refused to use the injury as an excuse. In fact he got quite irate when it kept coming up in the questions. (I got the Rafa stare at one stage!) His catch cry was that he was beaten by a better player on the day....end of story!
But after today regardless of what happens I am sort of satisfied
That was the mindset after th 1999 Preliminary Final, which gave us no chance in the GF. Enjoy the win, but also focus on the two horse race next Saturday night. We can talk more about this great win and satisfaction in October.
Also LWLLL ain't great form from the Swans who took a physical beating on Friday night.
We are a genuine chance. Winning form is good form!
What an atmosphere....haven't heard an atmosphere like that @ the MCG for many, many, many years. As others have said, possibly the 2nd-best win I've ever witnessed.
If 1999 was the other win, then Essendon have had a significant hand in both of them!!!
Agreed re crowd, from lining up back to Jolimont Station, to the prematch roar, to the 'in match' roars, it was GF atmosphere all over!
