A very exciting second half, but in the end Southport weren't able to overcome a slow start and poor goalkicking. Poor goalkicking cost them last year as well. Strictly speaking they kicked 11.9 this year, with 5 behinds being rushed, but the rushed behinds still represent missed chances, and Footscray were remarkably accurate in contrast. In the first half Footscray were much better at transition from defensive 50 and in general had more efficient ball movement except in the third quarter and a portion of the fourth. When the rain started pouring down early in the third quarter, I thought the game was going to turn into a slog, with any chance of a comeback over, but somehow that period of heavy rain is actually when Southport became cleaner and more efficient with the footy. Perhaps they needed another burst of rain in the fourth when Footscray regained the ascendency.
Nice to see a VFL-lister in Cooper Craig-Peters win the Norm Goss. No surprise that he won it, and I see it was a unanimous vote, although Boyd Woodcock would have had a solid case as well despite playing in the losing side. Also very good for Southport were Dawson, Crossley, Foot, Joyce, and Oea. Were it not for the free kicks given away and some missed kicks I would rate Crossley's game close to Woodcock's. No idea why Crossley is repeatedly overlooked for the ruck position in the VFL Team of the Year. Wouldn't surprise me if Woodcock gets a second chance at AFL level soon.
Liam Jones did a good job on Hugh Dixon, not to mention his mark in front of goal late when a goal would have brought Southport within a kick of drawing level again (or perhaps of taking the lead outright - don't recall now if the difference was 12 points or 11). Good games also from Baker, Crofts, and Scott. Dolan, Jacques, and Hynes all had some nice moments. Treloar was well held in the second half. Absurd that he qualified to play after only one game in the home and away season.
There were too many attempts at soccering the ball off the ground in the second half, particularly as Southport were trying to drive the ball forward at all costs, but players on both sides were doing it, and it usually resulted in a turnover. The intent to just get the ball closer to goal was clear, but most players aren't precise enough with the kick off the ground to make it the right option as frequently as they were doing it.
Southport have now lost 3 of the last 4 grand finals. In a normal competition that had developed organically, I'd generally hope for a team in that position to win one soon. In the actually existing VFL, and meaning no disrespect to Southport or their supporters, I hope to see one of the old VFA sides winning next year - ideally Port Melbourne, of course, but, well, realistically speaking I don't think that will be what happens - but realistically speaking Southport may be more likely than any of the VFA clubs, though I do think Frankston are a good chance to improve again. In any case, I expect Southport to be thereabouts again next season. They're certainly a strong team with key players still in the prime of their careers and seem unlikely to lose any of their top performers unless Woodcock or someone else does get signed to an AFL side.
After a horror first quartet for Southport, they will rue that poor start, as it probably cost them a premiership. Squandered opportunities in front of goals and being unable to stem a tide of goals from Footscray. The Sharks did well to work their way back into the contest and the second half in particular was absolutely gripping.
I was a neutral supporter despite being a Bulldogs member - but found myself barracking for the Sharks given their recent Grand Final losses.
Agreed Spiny... Kicks off the ground, it's almost a certainty that they end up in the hands of the opposition and I've never worked out why.
I'm so glad the game turned out to be a close one, as the game ebbed and flowed in runs of goals to each side.
Seen some close grand finals in past few weeks. Wantirna south beating Templestowe by a point, Balwyn beat Blackburn by 4 points. Vfl grand final was close in the end. Slow start by Southport plus Footscray's accuracy the difference. Southport excelled in the rain. Needed the rain to continue in last quarter. Number 8 for Southport is a gun. Should be playing afl level.
Not in number order but alphabetical order, Blackrocker https://www.afl.com.au/vfl/matches/8026#player-stats
Not in number order but alphabetical order, Blackrocker https://www.afl.com.au/vfl/matches/8026#player-stats
Interesting the VFL Grand Final has been relegated to 7 mate while AFLW home & away matches are on the main Channel 7 channel
A very exciting second half, but in the end Southport weren't able to overcome a slow start and poor goalkicking. Poor goalkicking cost them last year as well. Strictly speaking they kicked 11.9 this year, with 5 behinds being rushed, but the rushed behinds still represent missed chances, and Footscray were remarkably accurate in contrast. In the first half Footscray were much better at transition from defensive 50 and in general had more efficient ball movement except in the third quarter and a portion of the fourth. When the rain started pouring down early in the third quarter, I thought the game was going to turn into a slog, with any chance of a comeback over, but somehow that period of heavy rain is actually when Southport became cleaner and more efficient with the footy. Perhaps they needed another burst of rain in the fourth when Footscray regained the ascendency.
Nice to see a VFL-lister in Cooper Craig-Peters win the Norm Goss. No surprise that he won it, and I see it was a unanimous vote, although Boyd Woodcock would have had a solid case as well despite playing in the losing side. Also very good for Southport were Dawson, Crossley, Foot, Joyce, and Oea. Were it not for the free kicks given away and some missed kicks I would rate Crossley's game close to Woodcock's. No idea why Crossley is repeatedly overlooked for the ruck position in the VFL Team of the Year. Wouldn't surprise me if Woodcock gets a second chance at AFL level soon.
Liam Jones did a good job on Hugh Dixon, not to mention his mark in front of goal late when a goal would have brought Southport within a kick of drawing level again (or perhaps of taking the lead outright - don't recall now if the difference was 12 points or 11). Good games also from Baker, Crofts, and Scott. Dolan, Jacques, and Hynes all had some nice moments. Treloar was well held in the second half. Absurd that he qualified to play after only one game in the home and away season.
There were too many attempts at soccering the ball off the ground in the second half, particularly as Southport were trying to drive the ball forward at all costs, but players on both sides were doing it, and it usually resulted in a turnover. The intent to just get the ball closer to goal was clear, but most players aren't precise enough with the kick off the ground to make it the right option as frequently as they were doing it.
Southport have now lost 3 of the last 4 grand finals. In a normal competition that had developed organically, I'd generally hope for a team in that position to win one soon. In the actually existing VFL, and meaning no disrespect to Southport or their supporters, I hope to see one of the old VFA sides winning next year - ideally Port Melbourne, of course, but, well, realistically speaking I don't think that will be what happens - but realistically speaking Southport may be more likely than any of the VFA clubs, though I do think Frankston are a good chance to improve again. In any case, I expect Southport to be thereabouts again next season. They're certainly a strong team with key players still in the prime of their careers and seem unlikely to lose any of their top performers unless Woodcock or someone else does get signed to an AFL side.
After a horror first quartet for Southport, they will rue that poor start, as it probably cost them a premiership. Squandered opportunities in front of goals and being unable to stem a tide of goals from Footscray. The Sharks did well to work their way back into the contest and the second half in particular was absolutely gripping.
I was a neutral supporter despite being a Bulldogs member - but found myself barracking for the Sharks given their recent Grand Final losses.
Agreed Spiny... Kicks off the ground, it's almost a certainty that they end up in the hands of the opposition and I've never worked out why.
I'm so glad the game turned out to be a close one, as the game ebbed and flowed in runs of goals to each side.
* It's time to restore the VFA name.
One day Georgie.. One day !
We might be from the bush. but we ain't green
Seen some close grand finals in past few weeks. Wantirna south beating Templestowe by a point, Balwyn beat Blackburn by 4 points. Vfl grand final was close in the end. Slow start by Southport plus Footscray's accuracy the difference. Southport excelled in the rain. Needed the rain to continue in last quarter. Number 8 for Southport is a gun. Should be playing afl level.
Pages