An indifferent start, Cox feeling the wrath of karma, a Masten inspired comeback and a midget retiring. No, it wasn't a twisted nightmare. It was the Eagles wrapping up fourth place and setting a date with the pies for week 1 of the finals.
Where to start with this one? The start? Okay, well the psychological problem I so presciently referred to in the preview seemed quite apt for the most part. The team seemed reticent and uninspired. Conversely, the Lions showed great determination to not be crap, a difficult task for a team that has only won 4 games this year. They wanted it more as we seemed content to put all the pressure on the Adelaide game. The rain didn't help. We looked as bedraggled as bedraggled can be. That's fairly bedraggled.
Luckily, they never really put too much scoreboard pressure on us. That is until the 3rd where it appeared we were on the precipice of defeat. But as soon as they went up by 20 odd points we kicked into gear. It's almost as if the realisation hit the team that it might be a good idea to win the game. And then we did.
They key? The master key, formerly the master tool, was a certain Sir Chris Masten. Much maligned by supporters for his inconsistency and poor disposal and by the blogosphere for his abysmal facial hair, he was simply ubiquitous. Especially in the last quarter.
16 Kicks. 15 handballs. 4 marks. 7 tackles. 3 goals. 1 bad beard.
These are impressive stats. But far beyond these sometimes misleading figures, he was composed. He showed Shuey-esque poise under pressure and was efficient. He was instrumental in our impressive fightback. Surely his best game for the club.
He wasn't alone though. Priddis was, as ever, a polished performer. Naitanui and Shuey were superb in the last quarter, though the Lions must have the collective memory of deformed lions to allow the same play over and over.
Now onto Cox. Karma's a bitch aint it? A few weeks ago he blinded JJK with a tennis ball and last night he himself was blinded. Whatever the severity of the injury I hope we don't play him next week. Fantasy football implications aside, there's no point. Rest Cox, Kerr, Embley and Glass.
Savour the moment friends, it's not every year a team climbs from last to 4th. It has been an incredible achievement from both the coach and players.
Victory!
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