Crows fans could never forget the club’s second - and consecutive - premiership in 1998. Ten years on and AAMI Stadium was the place to be to commemorate that win over North Melbourne. While Saturday night’s round seven game may not quite compare to the Grand Final of 1998, it was still a great win.
In anticipation of the game and James Sellar’s debut, I made my way down to AAMI Stadium nice and early Saturday evening. There was a good feeling around the ground, with people enjoying barbeques with their friends and family and kids having a dob of the ball on Max Basheer Reserve. Having made my way across the Reserve without injury, I assumed my regular spot on the wing.
With my head deep in an English book before the game, I was more than happy to put it aside and observe the pre-match entertainment. Players from the 1998 premiership team made their way around the ground in a motorcade, before highlights of the grand final were shown on the big screens. My face lit up at seeing the great goals, the final siren and the song afterwards. It made me think of how amazing it would be if the Crows could still be around on the last Saturday in September.
With proceedings wrapping up on the field, the team of today entered the ground, under lights for the first time this season.
Nine scoring shots were on the board by the end of the first quarter for the Crows but unfortunately only one made it through the middle of the big sticks. Young forward Kurt Tippett slotted a set shot late in the quarter. The Crows appeared to be unsettled on the dew ridden turf and held an even 14 points to North at quarter time.
I must admit, during the course of the first quarter doubts crept into my mind, or maybe it was just my English book, but North are a formidable team and with the Crows carrying a few younger and more inexperienced players, part of me prepared for a loss. Plus, the amount of behinds scored was a little disconcerting.
I was proved wrong in the second term, with the Crows finding their feet to establish a handy lead by the main break. Simon Goodwin converted from a set shot and Tyson Edwards snapped one through. Proving a threat up forward, Richard Douglas kicked a huge goal from about 50 metres out. Brett Burton continued the ball rolling, literally, neatly dribbling the ball over the goal line for six points.
All was going well until I noticed Douglas remained on the ground after being tackled just inside the Crows’ forward 50. As play went on, the trainers rushed out to him and I feared for the worst when the stretcher was called. Replays showed his leg got caught under the North Melbourne player as he was being pulled back in the tackle, it didn’t look too good. Although, to everyone’s amazement he suddenly hopped up and made his way to the bench. A miracle recovery? I think so!
As play had continued a free kick was awarded somewhere along the line to the Crows and second gamer, Jarrhan Jacky lined up for his first goal in the AFL. He nabbed the goal and had the celebration to match. The Crows held a 20-point lead at the main break.
There’s not much to say about the third quarter except, Jason Porplyzia. He put on his own show in the forward line, kicking four goals. The downpour of goals started early, with three goals kicked in three minutes. Porplyzia had two and Burton chipped in for his second of the game. Tippett and Goodwin converted within minutes of each other and were followed by two more goals from Porplyzia and Burton.
The Crows took control of the game, and a comeback from North Melbourne appeared unlikely as they trialled by 59 points approaching the final term.
Unfortunately, the last quarter somewhat mirrored the first, with just one goal kicked by the Crows. Goodwin received a free for in the back in the 50 and converted.
The last quarter was not without its highlights though, with James Sellar starting to look comfortable in the forward line. I leapt half out of my seat in anticipation as he gathered the ball off a pack for a quick snap shot at goal. I sat back down quickly though, as he just missed to the right. Some people may be critical of his first game, but I think he went alright matched against some of North’s big defenders.
Despite the fall off in the final term, the Crows held on for a solid 33 point win and a very similar score to that of the 1998 grand final.
While the win may not have been that flashy, I was very impressed with the final result. Just think about it … the Crows had four players who have only just started playing AFL this year (Tippett, Jacky, Mackay and Sellar). Add to that Griffin, Vince, Douglas, Knights and Porplyzia, all with less than 50 games of experience.
Tippett is proving to be a hard match up in the forward line, and he continues to impress with his chasing and tackling. Jacky has showed glimpses in his two games of the type of AFL player he could be, hopefully threatening at ground level in the forward line. Mackay is a very classy midfielder, who played his best game on the weekend and Sellar, while he’s still finding his feet, provided a couple of highlights in the final term.
It’s these types of players you turn to for the Crows next premiership.
In the Shed after the game, the highlights of the 1998 grand final were replayed and several premiership players were invited on stage.
You live for the premiership in AFL and the Crows exciting youngsters teamed with the more experienced players look like they could be heading there soon. Well, that’s the plan.
