Rugby league and AFL fans were treated to a weekend of mayhem carnage the likes of which have seldom been seen before.
If you are a Geelong Cats supporter, you are either still on a high or still celebrating.
Of course, if you are Rugby Union fan you are possibly seeking professional advice to deal with yet another devastating loss.
Those football fans who are counting down the days to the World Cup would have been thrilled with the performance of the young and some older Socceroos in their weekend win over New Zealand.
Now the biggest headache the coach, Graham Arnold has will be fitting everyone into the side. Not a bad predicament to be in a couple of months out from the World Cup.
But grand final fever has overtaken many of us who prefer a ball of a different shape.
At the weekend the Cats inflicted the biggest beating I think I have ever seen in a grand final on the Sydney Swans who looked closer to feather dusters than grand final contenders.
The AFL community faced some very unpleasant and confronting accusations in the lead up to the GF. As matters were dealt with calmly and professionally the 2022 grand final did not appear to be impacted.
Although I don’t think somehow that the GF boat trip down the Yarra in place of a GF street parade is likely to float again. And I don’t think the VRC will be contemplating changing the format of their Melbourne Cup Street parade on the basis of the flotilla’s success or otherwise.
Hats off the AFL who really do know how to do a grand final.
The image of Joel Selwyn leading the Cats onto the MCG carrying young Levi Ablett the son of club legend Gary Ablett was both powerful and moving.
A moment that is sure to stay with Cats supporters and other for some time to come as will the result.
Of course, while the focus was on the AFL last weekend the NRL sorted out who would play in this weekend’s NRL Big Dance.
I can reveal that mourning colours continue to be warn in the O’Connor household after the Cowboys defeat was followed by the Bunnies routing. And again, the Bunker and the men in the middle have brought heavy criticism upon themselves.
I don’t doubt for a moment that had some of the very dubious calls gone the other way there would have been little change in the result.
However, that is far from the point.
Some very ordinary calls in both preliminary finals have all fans hoping that Sunday’s grand final will see a fair and reasonable contest and not be railroaded by poor decisions.
As an Eels supporter from back in prehistoric ages I am hoping they can get the job down for the Blue and Gold army.
However, I don’t want to say too much because my predictions have meant the kiss of death almost all season. Perhaps I should tip the Panthers.
Go you little Eels
Casey
