For some unknown reason the Crows seem to have trouble beating Essendon in Melbourne. But after last weekend, it has become a thing of the past after the Crows comprehensively beat Essendon across the border for Round 20.
I was particularly excited this weekend with the surprising inclusion of Patrick Dangerfield into the team. I had given up any hope of seeing him in the AFL this season, lets face it, I know first hand the rigours of Year 12, but to Patrick’s credit he’s been able to combine both football and school.
The weather in Melbourne on Saturday was rather chilly as threatening grey clouds hung low overhead. Just a sprinkle of rain was around, but enough for the Telstra Dome’s roof to be closed.
My uneventful morning involved catching an early flight to Melbourne, killing off some time in the city before eventually heading to the Docklands.
The crowd inside the enclosed stadium slowly but surely built up with the Crows’ end looking considerably fuller than that of Essendon’s. I was sitting somewhat between the two near the interchange bench and found myself one of a few Crows around.
The Crows entered the field from the dark shadows of the underground race to a roar of support from many fans over the fence. Essendon received a similar rousing reception as their captain, Matthew Lloyd, walked onto the ground to play his 250th game.
Not too much had unfolded in the early minutes of the game, but that was only until Dangerfield came onto the ground. He accelerated on the wing with striking speed chasing after an Essendon player who had the ball. I was taken back by his pure pace, merely mesmerised as play continued.
The ball was brought back down the other side of the wing where Graham Johncock was able to gather and kick a long goal. Scott Stevens’ scored next, receiving a free kick straight out in front. He converted with no problems and was followed by big Brad Moran who kicked an easy goal to finish off the term.
The Crows were using the ball efficiently off half back and held a slight lead of 14 points into the second quarter.
Essendon gathered some momentum early and managed to catch up to the Crows. Their fans were sitting pretty happy too, with one behind me calling Richard Douglas a meathead. He’s a rather good one I might say.
The Crows found the lead again through Captain Simon Goodwin who was awarded a free kick in the goal square. Scott Thompson scored next and then Goodwin goaled again before Essendon found themselves in trouble, the problem? Some danger on the field.
Yes, that’s right, young Dangerfield marked and kicked a goal with his first kick in AFL on half time. His teammates came from all over the field to congratulate the debutant on his first ever AFL goal.
With the forward line starting to kick into gear the Crows had established a handy 19 point lead at the middle break.
Goodwin scored first in the third term and Douglas backed him up with a goal of his own. Given the flack he copped from the Essendon supporter behind me, I made sure Douglas’ efforts were well known by calling out ‘go meathead!’ amid a funny look from an Essendon supporter in front of me.
Flamboyant forward, Nick Gill began to stamp his influence on the game with two goals for the term, Ivan Maric and Stevens were the other contributors.
After one goal I heard another remark from an Essendon fan past my shoulder that I was perhaps being a little unenthusiastic with my flag waving. They were proving to be an outspoken bunch but it was the Crows doing all the talking on the scoreboard, leading by 42 points at three quarter time.
The Crows steamrolled home in the last quarter kicking an impressive six goals. Johncock scored his second and Nick Gill also nabbed his second shortly after.
It was a dirty kick from 50 metres out where the ball looked as if it was going to bounce across the face of goal. I leaned to the right, hoping that somehow the ball would mirror my body movement. All of a sudden it bounced right and turned towards the goal square, neatly rolling through for six points. He sure plucked that one out of nowhere!
By the end of the quarter my Footy Record had run out of room next to Gill’s name as he scored a solid five goals. Andrew McLeod and Douglas (or meathead, whichever you prefer) also chipped in with one each.
The Crows had finally done the job and beaten Essendon in Melbourne. I celebrated the 56 points win on the fence and received a high five from Maric and a smile from Ben Rutten.
The celebrations moved into the food court where a substantial number of Crows fans enjoyed interviews from Jared Petrenko, Brad Moran, Ivan Maric and Neil Craig.
I arrived back in Adelaide later that night and heard some glowing feedback for the Crows. What a turn around it has been from five weeks ago when we were all pondering whether the Crows could win another game, let alone make the finals.
Coming into the final fortnight of the season, the form of Moran, Mackay, Massie and van Berlo has been promising. Moran holds good speed for a big man and is faring well in the ruck and Mackay’s class is evident week in, week out. Massie has able to string together a handful of games and show impressive commitment to the ball. Nathan van Berlo has just been dominating.
On a final note, congratulations to Rhett Biglands for his career at the Adelaide Football Club. Rhett was a player I always enjoyed to watch with his solid ruckwork and contribution around the ground. Anyone remember that stunning goal against Fremantle in the qualifying final of 2006? One of my all time favourites. All the best for the future, Rhett.
