Should we revisit our most tragic sporting moment?
I went to my friend’s house the other day and watched some AFL. Now that the season is over, we have to get an occasional fix somehow. Unfortunately, my friend happens to barrack for the West Coast Eagles. We came to an unholy alliance, and I stupidly agreed to watch the 2006 grand final if he agreed to watch the 2005 grand final.
Unfortunately, it made sense to watch them in chronological order, and so we watched my Swans take home the 2005 Premiership flag after a record-breaking premiership drought of 72 years. Even though it was a replay, I was still excited, I was still yelling. There was only four points in it at the final siren, and although I knew that, I was still nervous. The ball was kicked by Leo Barry out of the defensive 50 but it went straight to Dean Cox, who then kicked it straight back to Leo Barry. I’m sure everyone in Australia has seen that mark at least once, whether you’re interested in AFL or not. Genius. Will I ever tire of watching it? Hell, no. I could put it on eternal replay and never get sick of reliving that moment.
But as soon as that moment ended it was time for the 2006 Grand Final, an event with a very different outcome than the year before. Again, although I knew the result, I still was so invested in the game that I found myself getting all worked up again, particularly in the first half where my red and white warriors let themselves and their fans down with some terrible decision making and terrible shots on goal. But with the fightback in the second half I was on the edge of my seat. Would they fight hard enough to win back to back premierships? Of course they wouldn’t. I knew that. But I couldn’t help it: I got completely caught up in the ride and the spirited and tough fight my Swans took in to that second half.
Why, when I knew that we lost by one point, did I still get so excited? And then, when the final siren went, with the ball in our attacking 50, did I find myself reliving all the disappointment and despair that I felt at the MCG that fateful day in September? Talk about a downer. Luckily, I had the DVD of Nick Davis kicking the deciding goal against Geelong on our way to winning the 2005 flag on hand and so I watched that to cheer myself back up.
Does anyone else out there do this? Watch a tragic sporting moment again? And if you have, did you feel as though you were reliving the moment all over or did you resign yourself to the knowledge that it was all over before it began?
I have to say, I’d watch the 2006 final again. The adrenaline, the excitement, the close game, the fightback, the ongoing battle between the Eagles and the Swans. It’s classic AFL and it’s why I am in love with the game.
Unfortunately, it made sense to watch them in chronological order, and so we watched my Swans take home the 2005 Premiership flag after a record-breaking premiership drought of 72 years. Even though it was a replay, I was still excited, I was still yelling. There was only four points in it at the final siren, and although I knew that, I was still nervous. The ball was kicked by Leo Barry out of the defensive 50 but it went straight to Dean Cox, who then kicked it straight back to Leo Barry. I’m sure everyone in Australia has seen that mark at least once, whether you’re interested in AFL or not. Genius. Will I ever tire of watching it? Hell, no. I could put it on eternal replay and never get sick of reliving that moment.
But as soon as that moment ended it was time for the 2006 Grand Final, an event with a very different outcome than the year before. Again, although I knew the result, I still was so invested in the game that I found myself getting all worked up again, particularly in the first half where my red and white warriors let themselves and their fans down with some terrible decision making and terrible shots on goal. But with the fightback in the second half I was on the edge of my seat. Would they fight hard enough to win back to back premierships? Of course they wouldn’t. I knew that. But I couldn’t help it: I got completely caught up in the ride and the spirited and tough fight my Swans took in to that second half.
Why, when I knew that we lost by one point, did I still get so excited? And then, when the final siren went, with the ball in our attacking 50, did I find myself reliving all the disappointment and despair that I felt at the MCG that fateful day in September? Talk about a downer. Luckily, I had the DVD of Nick Davis kicking the deciding goal against Geelong on our way to winning the 2005 flag on hand and so I watched that to cheer myself back up.
Does anyone else out there do this? Watch a tragic sporting moment again? And if you have, did you feel as though you were reliving the moment all over or did you resign yourself to the knowledge that it was all over before it began?
I have to say, I’d watch the 2006 final again. The adrenaline, the excitement, the close game, the fightback, the ongoing battle between the Eagles and the Swans. It’s classic AFL and it’s why I am in love with the game.
AFL Central
Genghis Gal
My one doubt about a clash so early is that the Swans tend to work into their fitness through the first few rounds and hit their peak towards the middle and end of the season. I mean, we lost to the Bombers in the first round last year (admittedly before Matthew Lloyd injured himself for the season). Can the Swans hit the ground running for such an important clash so early on? And if they do, will it impact on their late season fitness?
Having said all of that, bring it on. I can't wait!
AFL Central
Rugby World Cup 2007
Shame on me.
This is the first time I have visited the Game-azon side of you (have visited your Traveling Amazon site many times before)...and you...you visit my Rugby (gasp) outPost all the time.
I am a bad blogfriend.
I'm here now...redeemed a little?
Although my comment refers to rugby...
I, alas, cannot watch a tragic Wallabies (to non rugby lovers...this may be a constant thing!) sporting moment again.
Have not been able to watch the World Cup '03 final.
Sadly, cannot watch the first game of that wonderful series of 3 Wallabies v Lions tests in 2000...it was one heaven of a game but the Wallabies lost.
My husband can.
To him a good game is a good game, regardless of who wins. Yes, he gets a bit sad about a Wallabies loss but he's not like me...I mope around like someone had just stolen my favourite pair of vintage boots (deep fuschia, suede and leather, with 3inch platform heels)and used them for kicking practise!
And he's the ex professional player!
I'm obviously a fair weather watcher fan...all the great games are on constant replay!
Much Gamma to you KC (and the sunshine band...)
DuskDevi
Genghis Gal
I can completely understand not wanting to watch a losing game over again. If the 2006 GF was anything like the Adelaide Sydney game this year where they kicked our arse completely, or if it was like the 1990 GF where Collingwood absolutely walked all over the Bombers, I wouldn't be able to watch it again. I think it's just the level of the recent Eagles Swans games that continues to excite me.
If the losing streak continues though, well, that will start to be another matter...
And I hope your favourite boots continue to be worn by you and you alone - such a fabulous piece of foot decoration should never be used for anything other than looking fabulous.
Rugby World Cup 2007
I know you stay up late...practising the Jedi Boogie, honing your lightsaber skills and writing ferociously...so if you're at home on Saturday/Sunday at 1:00am and awake and feel like watching, what occasionally can be called aerial pingpong too (those damn Backs who insist on kicking the ball...this is a running game)...The Wallabies play Italy.
KC...just have to know...it was Warwick's shorts that did you in wasn't it?!!!!!
(sorry...read 'How did you choose your sporting team...')
Funnily enough, I remember watching AFL around that time.
O Lord...are you old enough to remember when the Cappers posed nude for Playboy, was it, or maybe Cleo back when they still had centrefolds?
As always twas a touch of of magic...til next time Genghis Swan Warrior, I bid you adieu.
DuskDevi
Genghis Gal
I am ashamed to admit that I thought Warwick Capper was cool way back then ... I was still in my early teens then so I try to forgive myself on those grounds ... And I remember that horrible Capper nude photos as well. Aaargh, just the memory makes me cringe. I was definitely already over the Capper obsession by then and well into just my AFL loving. Wasn't there some snake involved? (inward shudder)
Rugby World Cup 2007
Hey...Capper was The King of Cringy Cool in his day! Except for that snake...(inward shudder indeed)
The Wallabies v Italia match is on tonight 1:00am. Fingers (toes, eyes...hell...even roads!) crossed we win.
DuskDevi
Genghis Gal
I posted something to a little earlier but obviously I had no success. It's almost 1am and I'm still up and eagerly awaiting the game. Although I am sure I will fall asleep before it's over ... fading quickly.
It's been a lazy summer's day here in my part of Sydney and the heat has made me happy and content. Good to see there's another hot weather lover out there. This weather makes me a happy girl - almost makes up for there being no AFL until March.
Genghis Gal
Rugby World Cup 2007
It's 1:34am, had to rush and get something...passed my computer...thought I might just check to see if I had received anything...et voila!!!!
I love it! You've got it goin' on KC...it IS a running game...William Webb Ellis picked up the freakin' ball and ran with it and it hasn't been put down since...is Rugby is Good.
If I recall correctly, we are in the same part of Sydney...or maybe you're from the same part of Sydney...gotta go...game on.
Genghis Gal
Rugby World Cup 2007
Have just posted my post match therapy session (link provided) if you want to have a read.
After having watched it (and I am so chuffed that you did!) you may have a better understanding of what the hell I'm going on about!
Yeah...Pez shaves the same...sorry, Wilkinson (blade) joke...who by the way, still hasn't recovered from his World Cup '03 performance...he's now got kidney damage...it's as if he truly gave his all back then and has never got it back..dude has lost his mojo(nny)...
Speak with you soon Genghis Swan Warrior.
DuskDevi