WHILE Mark Williams lamented a 119-point defeat, the resultof what he believed was “44 years of torment” in
The 2004 premiership winner remained silent for much of themedia conference, his eyes glazed over and still.
When asked to attempt to sum up his feelings, he admittedthat finding the words was difficult.
“It’s tough to get my head around at the moment but over thenext couple of weeks, I’ll reflect on the season and reflect on my career,” Wakelinsaid.
“It’s been one of my most enjoyable years,” he said.
“I’ve been really proud of the team the way we’ve improvedweek in week out. Obviously it’s not a great way to finish this way today butI’m still very proud of every one of the players.”
The defender was also finding difficulty in explaining whatit was like to occupy the back line during a 24-goal Cat attack.
“There are games like that and you don’t wish for it tohappen on a day like this. There’s a bit of holding back the tide. It was atough game but the group will move on.”
Waiting for him in the rooms after the game was Darryl’stwin brother and Collingwood defender Shane. If anyone knows about the heartache of losing a grand final, it’s Shane. He played consecutive grand finals in2002 and 2003 and lost both.
“He had some tough years. I was with him during ’02, ’03 sohe definitely knows what I’m going through.”
In what was the solitary light moment of the pressconference, Mark Williams interrupted Darryl to give him some consolatorywords.
“You’ve won one (a premiership) though,” Williams laughed.
“Yes I’ve won one which is nice, so that sort of gives me agood feeling inside,” Wakelin agreed.
Shane Wakelin said he would have loved his brother’s careerto finish on a better note.
“It’s incredibly unfortunate but he’s had a wonderfulcareer. I suppose a lot of players would love to finish with a grand final. Butin saying that, it was a really numb type of day. Not from the players, butthey were never really in the contest; that’s what’s disappointing,” he said.
“I really felt for Darryl down back today. They were reallyunder the pump. You could have had the backline of the century playing theretoday and it wouldn’t have mattered because
And true to the male way of dealing with things, Shaneinsisted that the two hadn’t had a big heart-to-heart when the game ended.
“Men aren’t big on that are they? We just talked generallyabout the game. We don’t really go into a hell of a lot of detail because it’squite emotional. We’ll just have a few beers tonight and reminisce.”
And as for his brother still being one premiership up onhim, Shane says he still may have the chance to level the scores next year andis hoping to secure an extension to his contract with the Pies.
“It hasn’t been finalised.
“Hopefully Mick (Malthouse) will let me know in the middleof this week with a little bit of luck.
“I’ve told him that I want to play on and at this stage,he’s given me a reasonable commitment. But I’ve been in football long enough toknow that until I’ve signed a contract and I’m ready to go next year, nothing’scertain until it’s in writing.”
If he does continue, emulating his brother’s premiershipachievement will be his main aim.
“I only want to play one more game and that’s the last gamenext year, and do what
