IN the dying minutes of the first AFL semi-final, it appeared the Magpies would crash and burn … falling victim to another attack of the Colliwobbles.
But for some fateful reason, Magpie full-forward John Anthony steadied and threaded a major when it counted the most. The Crows must have felt like they were feathered and tarred.
Anthony’s heroics saved the Magpies from an agonising aftermath. It wouldn’t be much fun to cop a deathly stare from coach Mick Malthouse. If anyone has seen Malthouse’s face in the rooms after a loss, you would feel for the players.
Setting such vigorous standards, as Malthouse does, helps produce results on the footy field. Players with a sense of fear are often fuelled with a motivation to lift under pressure.
No one likes to look like a dill – especially the Magpies, who are full of pride.
Last week on The Punch, I reported that Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said his team would win the 2nd sem-final. Eade was right. The Doggies smashed the Lions, showing their depth and character to cope under finals’ pressure.
So the Victorian clubs have reined supreme this finals series. We have the Dogs facing St Kilda and Geelong taking on Collingwood in the preliminary finals this weekend. Both games will be fought tooth and nail. However, when a team has a week off, it does wonders for the players’ legs. That’s been proven time and time again.
Geelong, with its magical midfield, and St Kilda, with its hungry and skilful key position players, are favoured to win Grand Final berths.
I can’t see the Magpies beating the Cats. Geelong is one the most formidable sides of 2009. They are too hungry to lose, and learned from their embarrassing Grand Final loss to Hawthorn last year.
The Saints are brilliantly led by coach Ross Lyon and skipper Nick Riewoldt. It could be touch and go … but I can’t see the Saints losing to the Dogs. St Kilda is clearly the most consistent team of the year.
Now that the Saints’ yips appear under control, it seems unlikely that the Doggies could seriously threaten St Kilda’s premiership aspirations.
Whatever happens next weekend, the teams that win will handle “finals fever” better than their rivals.
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