I hate to admit it, but I’m having these feelings, positive feelings, towards Hawthorn.
I’ve heard of 'love thy enemy' but for a Geelong supporter this is a horrible confession indeed.
It may have been Dermott Brereton who threw-up after being famously taken out by Mark Yeates in the 1989 Grand Final, but it was Cats fans who suffered the real pain.
Brereton’s unbelievable bravery and subsequent contribution to the victory was typical of how the Hawks tormented the Cats. When you thought you had them, they always found a way back. Just hearing the names Brereton, Dunstall and Dipierdomenico in the one sentence still makes me shiver. There were years of agony to follow.
Maybe my change of heart was helped by the unbridled passion of my ten-year-old nephew Edward.
Edward is a mad Hawk with an eye for talent. He has worn the number 23 on his back for four years and I’m pretty sure it’s not left over from following Simon Crawshay’s career in the ruck.
Unfortunately, young Edward hyperventilated with excitement as he got caught up in 'Buddy' Franklin’s triumphant Elimination Final deeds against Adelaide last year at the Telstra Dome.
He need not worry, for the next ten years will provide him with a lifetime of deeds he will never forget. Gary Ablett senior did the same for me.
Of course Ablett never experienced football’s ultimate. As I headed off to Launceston last Sunday to again see Hawthorn and Adelaide play I wondered whether Franklin will ever win a flag - and whether it could even be this year.
My day got off to a great start with a handshake on the plane from John Kennedy senior. I was determined to 'just do’ something on the trip.
The match began and the Crows were disappointing, falling into the common trap of going too wide on the expanses of Aurora Stadium. Actually the foot skills were very poor from both sides as they often seem to be at Launceston despite the perfect surface and weather.
I’m beginning to wonder if Meg, the witch from my daughter’s favourite story book Meg and Mog has put one of her misguided spells on the ground. There is certainly a history of strange things happening there.
Anyway it didn’t affect the Hawks for too long. Cyril Rioli got everyone buzzing. The impact even first year players can have with defensive pressure is an incredible development in the game, and Rioli can already do so much more. Chance Bateman was also superb in his 100th game, but the crowd was bewitched by 'Buddy'.
Somehow, he can make even set shots thrilling. He moves the ball from left to right like no-one else - it doesn’t curve like a natural left-footers hook, it actually seems to suddenly shape as if he has a remote control.
I almost feel sorry for Jarryd Roughead. The ‘other’ tall Hawk forward is a very good player. But he might like to chat to Billy Brownless about getting used to football life as a decoy.
Of course, premiership footy is far from a one-man show as Geelong supporters know only too well.
With four crucial players still to return, the Hawks convinced me they are good enough to be considered a serious contender in 2008. So are we headed for another Grand Final battle with the teams from ’89?
If so then this time the roles are reversed.
The Cats, with a premiership under their belt, are the established champions.
They appear to relish a challenge such as they got from the Saints on Saturday. They are professional with no apparent weaknesses.
Hawthorn, like Geelong in the late eighties, is full of excitement and on the rise. Franklin is the Hawks' version of Ablett.
Like the Cats of old they also appear a little vulnerable in defense. However the way they execute their defensive grid is so effective it may not matter.
Ironically on Grand Final Day in 1989 Geelong were criticised for playing the man more than the ball. It’s a challenge that this Hawthorn side faces every week.
Unfortunately we may not know a whole lot more until round Seventeen when the two sides meet for the only time in the Home and Away season. Oh for a flexible fixture now.
So how would I really feel if the Hawks can do what Geelong couldn’t in ’89?
I would be genuinely happy for young Edward, but then he’s got plenty of time. And I’d have to endure the taunts from Brereton in the commentary box. You know what Derm, I think I’d rather ‘spew-up’.
The best 22?
Anthony Hudson's combined Cats-Hawks line-up is split down the middle, with 11 players from each team making the 22.
B: Brown (H) Scarlett (G) Enright (G)
HB: Hodge (H) Croad (H) Milburn (G)
C: Bartel (G) Mitchell (H) Bateman (H)
HF: Chapman (G) Mooney (G) Kelly (G)
F: S.Johnson (G) Franklin (H) Rioli (H)
Foll: Ottens (G) Ablett (G) Corey (G)
I/C: Taylor (H) Crawford (H) M.Williams (H) Sewell (H)
Emergencies: Wojinski (G) Harley (G) Roughead (H)
