With the ball sliding every which way on the turf if we wanted to get it we simply had to go in hard to collect it. There was no alternative.
The lack of effort I’ve lamented the loss of over the past six weeks was back. Instead of shouting out “Tackle!” after many slipped opportunities I was lauding our endeavour with cries of “Good tackle!”
After the game felt like it would slip away, as it has so many times this season, at quarter time I began to realise why so many people chose the comforts of their couches over a rain soaked AAMI Stadium.
Over the next two quarters, however, I decided I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Yes it wasn’t flashy or overly skilful and it was scrappy and low scoring but we finally got our buzz back.
Not only had the players found their mojo’s but also as a supporter whose patience was extremely close to running out I found joy in the footy again.
Ahead by the narrowest of margins, a one-point lead, at three quarter time and with the rain still falling the pendulum could have swung either way.
Perhaps it was the fact we were in it with a serious chance to win that spurred us on to do those little things we’ve been desperately lacking.
Nathan van Berlo, a player I’ve been particularly critically of this season as our captain, lifted in the final term and kicked off our revival by keeping his feet and snapping an early major.
Our quick and direct play to the face of the goals, not to the pocket for a change, was rewarded. It was uncomplicated, no-fuss footy.
I found myself out of my seat and jumping around with my arms in the air for the first time in a long time.
As the quarter grew old Sydney snuck their way back into the contest and scores eventually drew level after a Sam Jacobs’ behind.
Then came the match saving moment that amplified a reason to believe that we do have it in us to win games.
We began by rebounding from the Swans’ defence by kicking long and direct to Jacobs in free space. Instead of slowing down and missing the first available option he backed himself, took a risk and passed to a 50-50 contest on the wing.
Jared Petrenko held his ground and read the flight of the ball better than Sydney’s Rhyce Shaw as it sailed over the Swans’ head. Without a moments hesitation Petrenko bounded forward and under oncoming pressure desperately slapped the ball towards a waiting David Mackay.
Mackay scooped it up and delicately lobbed it to Rory Sloane directly in front of goal and went back to nail the winning major.
That goal was all Petrenko. With the number 23 spread proudly across his back Petrenko’s game typified what we’ve been missing for so much of the season. We were never left wondering as he attacked every single contest with sheer ferocity and a focus to get his hands on the ball.
He wasn’t alone on Saturday night as the majority of his teammates did the same for a change.
The key now is to bring that kind of intent to the field every week. Unfortunately for us we can’t carry what momentum we do have into next weekend as we have been dealt the bye.
Another aspect of our game that improved was a return to basics to suit the wet weather conditions. While that style of play would unlikely hold up in the dry every week it goes to show a change of plan was just what we need and the rain forced our hand.
But again, unfortunately for us I highly doubt it’s going to rain in all our remaining eight games.
