If you've been with me this long, you already know that I'm no footy expert! If you're new to my site, the disclaimer is at the bottom of the page! Please read it so you know where I'm coming from!! Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned veteran, your comments and questions are always welcome! Send 'em to me and I'll share them here!
There went the season.
As Rex Hunt would say, the fat lady has sung. We were SO close to a victory and then gave the game back to Brisbane. Ohhhh, this one hurts so bad.
I was fortunate enough to get to listen to the game live via the Internet audio feed. I'm ashamed to admit that I turned the game off at my 1:00 am and went to bed. At that time the score was Richmond 6.6.42 to Geelong's 11.8.74. With 5 goals down and a sad and sorry commentary, I never dreamed we'd lift to a respectable finish, let alone lead at one point late in the game! Ohhh, those Tigers! So close and yet so far.
I'm not sure what we'd have done without Cameron early in the game. He kicked the first three goals to keep Richmond in the game, and they weren't chip shots by any means. By half time the commentators were saying that Richmond's dreams had gone up in smoke and that Richmond should send Geelong some flowers for the gifts they gave us. I found it to be pretty discouraging if you're a Richmond supporter, which is why I finally turned the game off and went to bed.
I think we have to wrap up the season by making some changes. It's a time to experiment, to work on skills, to work on positions, to shake it up and see if we can find something that works. At this point, I think we're building for next year.
And in an odd twist of fate, Wayne Campbell went down late in the game with a season-ending injury. As the Richmond Football Club website reports:
Richmond skipper Wayne Campbell suffered his season-ending achilles tendon injury while celebrating the goal that almost ended the Tigers long losing streak on Saturday. The bizarre manner in which Campbell suffered his injury was confirmed by club president Clinton Casey. "I spoke to Wayne last night and he is distraught over the injury," Casey said on Sunday.
Devastating news for Richmond fans and for the club. Best of luck and a speedy recovery, Mr Campbell.
From Pelic:
G'day Becky
I just got home and read the news on Campbell and Johnson. I can't believe this is happening. I now would not be at all suprised if Campbell calls it quits at the end of the season. As for the game, I caught the last ten minutes of it on the radio. I think that if I ever meet Richardson again, I will tell him exactly how stupid he is. How can you give a free kick away at such a vital time in the game. Even though he kicked three goals, I believe it is time for him to play in the VFL for a week or two. I have also come to the sad realisation that Krakour, Houlihan, Rogers, Biddiscombe and Fiora should be dropped. Holland is also stuggling so it might be in the club's best interests if he plays in the VFL as well for a week. There are quite a few guys who should be given the opportunity to come into the first side. McGrath, Nichols, Sipthorpe, Mills, Schultz, Moore, Pickering and Shir are the ones that come to mind. If you look at it realistically, Richmond's season is pretty much over. (God it kills to say that.) Give some of the inexperienced guys a go. I believe Cameron, Campbell and even Rogers and Richardson won't play much longer. They should start looking towards the future. Not necessarily 2004 or even 2005, but in three or four years. We have young talent like Zantuck, Newman, Couglan, Rodan, Krakour, Draga and all our rookies.
Disclaimer: This site is intended for those of us who are relatively new to Aussie Rules Football. I don't claim to be an expert -- in fact I'm as green as they come! The ideas expressed are accurate to the best of my wee, limited and infantile knowledge! Please keep in mind that my comments come strictly from listening to the game, not viewing it. I'm putting a lot of weight into the way it's called.