There's no such thing as honourable losses. It's just something the losers say to make themselves feel better. But, there are exceptions to every rule. This game was one.
Let's put this 20 point loss to the Hawks in context. Not only have we not won a game against a top 8 team, we haven't been competitive. The Hawks aren't just any marginal finals team. They are the premiership favourite. On a 10 game winning streak.
We pushed them from the first bounce until the final siren. For the first time this season, we showed intensity, pressure, power and above all PASSION.
At various times, it looked like the more polished Hawks would totally run away with the game. But, against everything that has gone before, we refused to give in.
Yes, there were still knee-buckling turnovers, still players hopelessly out of form (e.g. Waters, Rosa, Brown) and what looks like a very scary achilles injury to Hurn. But, this was our best performance of the season by a considerable margin.
Although it was very much a team effort, there were standout performances. Kennedy continued to show that he is the leading full forward in the competition. He kicked 5 goals, took 10 grabs and laid 8 tackles. The much vaunted 'Buddy' had 2 goals, 4 frees against, and 33 stupid scowls at the umpires. He also slowed down a red-hot Nic Nat, by 'accidentally' elbowing him in the face. Nic Nat's goal in the first though was thing of legends. Simply astounding. Franklin also hurt Shuey, whilst Hodge clipped Selwood in a typically Hodge tackle (lauded by the salivating fools at the Seven network). Although I'm not a great fan of our midfield; Shuey, Selwood, Gaff and Masten all played very well and with great heart. Gaff in particular, showed off his silky skills, for once breaking free from his tag.
On a sour note, Andrew Embley may have played his final game. He didn't have any influence during the game. Except for the event which will no doubt leave him sidelined for at least a few weeks. It was the action of a frustrated player, a guy past his prime. For all the hand wringing of the commentators, at least he didn't king-hit anyone like a certain ex-full forward. Embley was stupid, Hall was nigh-criminal (nothing nigh about it in reality).
Another source of frustration was the general frailty and vulnerability of the usually stable backline. The Hawks seemed likely to score every time they went near their 50 m line. But, considering the firepower of the Hawks I can't see this becoming a major source of concern for the club.
We're now 6-6. It's still a loss, but one that makes me feel mildly positive about the future. I hope it's not a one off, a brief flicker of hope to be quickly extinguished. But we'll find out very soon, as we host the pharmacologically engineered Bombers (now 100% drug free*) on Thursday night. Play like we did tonight and we'll be every chance to win that game.
*The coaches that is, the players on the other hand...
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