Buddy this, Buddy that, Buddy, Buddy, Buddy! Come the Crows’ Round 12 game against Hawthorn on Saturday night at AAMI Stadium, I was well and truly sick and tired of Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin.
The media hype surrounding him is sensational and the lead up to this game was no different.
I had been looking forward to the game all week. There’s just something about Hawthorn that gets me, particularly after last year’s elimination final loss and the loss in Launceston this year. All the Buddy hype can get a little monotonous too. But nonetheless the Crows were up against a top side and I was eager for them to impress on the stage that is Saturday night football.
My trek down to AAMI began at sunset and upon my arrival the wintry grey clouds above had almost faded away into the dark night sky. The car park near the Crows Shed and Max Basheer Reserve was busy with people socialising and getting ready for the big game.
I headed down near the players’ race with some friends for the warm up. Earlier in the day I heard that Andy Otten was making his debut, so I was eager to catch a glimpse of him beforehand.
Afterwards my many layers and I were quickly back in my seat and amongst a strong 45,000 crowd. The scene was set as both teams made their way into position and as predicted Bock went to Buddy.
As the first few minutes of the first quarter unfolded, I was a little surprised at the Crows’ ease of gaining possessions of the ball. Scott Thompson kicked a point from a tricky angle but Hawthorn turned over the ball from their kick resulting in another set shot at goal. This time Jason Porplyzia missed and again Hawthorn’s kick in was intercepted. Bernie Vince was delivered the ball in front of goal and finally got the Crows’ first goal on the board.
Just minutes later, Luke Jericho easily sent through his first after another turn over from Hawthorn’s defence. But Hawthorn only trailed by one point at quarter time.
The whole Bock-Buddy contest was proving to be a thrilling one. The crowd were throwing all their support behind Bock, giving an extra cheer whenever he won possession over Franklin.
The second quarter was a tight contest like the first with each team managing to score three goals apiece. Tyson Edwards scored within the first couple of minutes and Richard Douglas followed shortly after having successfully pinned Hawthorn’s Chance Bateman in a tackle and winning the free kick and a 50m penalty.
A free kick to Kurt Tippett, for a tackle around the ankle, seemingly went unheard to the big forward as he played on, but players for both teams momentarily stopped before Hawthorn cleared the ball and eventually scored a goal. There must be something about night games at AAMI, as the crowd loudly voiced their displeasure to the men in green.
Now I was thinking that was loud, but you should’ve heard the crowd when Franklin was reported! Considering his sky high profile, his high hit on Crow Michael Doughty had the crowd geared up even more.
Porplyzia got the last goal of the quarter as the Crows held a two point lead at the long break.
During the third term the Crows’ lead was lost but regained shortly after Douglas was rewarded with another 50m penalty in front of goal. Porplyzia scored the remaining two goals for the Crows which gave them a three point lead at the last break.
The fourth quarter had me on the edge of my seat. The Crows’ youngsters were put to the test against a side which has only lost one game for the season.
Edwards got his second goal of the night coming from a set shot early on in play. The Crows’ next goal came after a quick piece of play off half back. Bernie Vince cleared the ball from Hawthorn’s forward fifty with a long kick to Porplyzia down the ground who then sent the ball onto Jericho’s chest. He converted and the Crows had the lead.
As the game neared its final minutes Hawthorn was in front. The Crows then missed a couple of opportunities to get back in front and could also not win back possession of the ball in the dying minutes of the game. I eagerly willed on everyone player to run and chase and win the ball back, there was still time left, I didn’t want to let this one slip away.
As Hawthorn chipped the ball around and I had slumped back in my seat and had all but conceded defeat. The siren sounded and an eerie silence spread throughout the crowd.
I walked back to the shed feeling disappointed, although if put in context, the Crows’ young side did very well against a top team in the competition.
With just the Club’s fourth loss under their belt it’s hard not to find the positives from the season so far. Two Crows who continue to impress me are Richard Douglas and Jason Porplyzia. Both play with such intent for the ball and in the final minutes they ran out the game hard and were always committed. Porplyzia’s silky skills, particularly marking and Doulgas’ dare for the ball always impress as they both continue to improve into season 2008.
Next week the Crows face Brisbane at the Gabba. Bock could be faced with the task of manning another superstar of the AFL, Brisbane’s Jonathon Brown. In what could prove to be another tight contest, let’s hope this time the Crows can get over the line at the end.
