Who ever was there on Sept. 3rd at Tis for the big one witnessed one of the best games seen in Townsville. this match had everything and was worthy of a big crowd.
The Bear settled himself in for what he hoped would be a great day for Curra.
But we all know hope doesn't win football game but we dare to dream.
The first quarter got off to a quick start for the Tigers winning the toss and taking advantage of a cross wind they posted a few majors and looked strong. With a couple of replies the Swans hung in there.
Half times the Tigers looked in control and whilst Curra were trying hard and the defense were hanging in there dangerous signs were looming. The Bear was worried, so was everyone else that loves the Navy blue, red and white.
Third quarter saw the Tigers come out and post a couple of quick ones. The Swans were down by 5 and looking shaky.
Coach Peter Young made the neccesary moves, big Will to full forward, Hally on the ball, Doc Tim into the back lines. Maz lifted again, Goody who had scared us all earlier when he came off holding his shoulder was killing them across the half back line and Hally showed you can beat Grubba in the middle and suddenly everybody was running.
The scoreboard started to tick over and at three quarter time we were a couple down and the Tigers were making the play.
Into the last quarter and for the first ten minutes all the play was in our 50 metres. Will was a target up front,
Adam Ant was supplying drive along with the Hill brothers out of defense, Maz continued his good work and with all players firing things were getting interesting.
In the last stanza we had many chances to win the game our goal shooting was a little erratic and with Tigers taking advatage of the few times they got it down there the Swans coaching staff and supoorters were chewing what finger nails they had left.
Will had justified his inclusion in the side and what if just one shot had gone through. Down the other end the Swans mob felt they had been cheated out of a goal when Brod marked the ball in our opinion just inside the field of play.
Only one's who though he hadn't were the Tigers mob and the goal umpire the only one who counted.
The game had everything in the last quarter controversy, dramas, good old fashioned crowd barracking and didn't the Shalom kids add a bit to that.
Big turn out from them to see there boy Will play and he didn't let them or us downs.
Sledging between the two supporter groups .
Stress and strain, this game had everything and it was what makes our game the greatest in the world.
The Bear did not dare to blink in case he missed something. And at the end of full time, a draw. Oh no! The players and the supporters have to got through it again. And what about the coaching staff?
Two five minute quarters, ten minutes and all the hard work is down to that, the blood sweat and tears, the late start in the season, working though injuries, sacrifice by all concerned, the team meetings, the talking, condensed down to a minuet moment in time. And what a last ten minutes, with the Tigers hitting the front in the first five minutes and then half way through the last five minutes the Swans hit the front finally to be over come by a solitary goal. One kick after nearly two hours of uncompromising football from two sides dedicated to winning their way into a ground final. The fledgling Swans against the might of the Tigers side, big, strong ,physical and finally able to conquer the upstart Swans quick on their feet and sound of mind who finally came of age.
The players and coaching staff after the game were as they should have been devastasted as were all Swans people but how far have we come in one season. The hard work by the coaching staff and the dedication of the players can not be under estimated, the faith in the youth of the club along with the older heads has produced a season the Bear will never forget.
This game saw a stalwart of the club in Doyly play his last game . Doyly you have been a credit and an inspiration. We will miss you and your family and the Bear wishes you all the very best in the future.
To any others who are leaving us thanks for the memories, you have gladdened the Bear's heart.
To all others, come back and make us an even better and more feared club next season.
Bear
Last Modified on 05/09/2011 11:38