Heffernan’s Spray - Finals Footy Is Not The Time To Disappear

Nothing could be worse for a footballer than to be remembered as one who went messing when the game was on the line. James Hird’s article in today’s Herald Sun is an excellent example of a star player’s desire to step up when it counts - I urge you to take a read. Hird’s pain after the Bombers 2001 Grand Final loss to Brisbane stemmed from personal pride, and is encapsulated in the following quote:

I had prided myself during my career on playing well when I needed to and, as captain, had promised the players I would not let them down.

There are a few players from the weekend’s action who, rather than take the game by the scruff of the neck, bumbled and fumbled their way through an inglorious showing and their team suffered as a result. For some, there is a chance to atone this week. Others look forward to months of regret.

Scott Thompson (Crows) - This year has been somewhat of a break out year for Thompson - while those in Adelaide town have been singing his praises for the past few years, it’s only really been this season that the masses have sat up and taken notice. With the much-publicised injury problems at the Crows, Saturday’s clash against the Pies was the perfect scene for Thompson to step up and take his team through to the a very-winnable clash with St Kilda in week 2 of the finals.

The result? 17 touches - down 7 on his season average - including a whopping 7 clangers. But what was more disheartening, from both a spectator’s viewpoint as well as inside the club I’m sure, was his poor body language while he got a fair dinkum towelling from Pies utility Nick Maxwell. As the Pies took control through the third term, and Thompson’s bottom lip dropped, so did the Crows’ chances. Is it fair that such an impressive season can be blotted by one below-par performance in final? Maybe not. But that’s finals football.

Thompson now has many months to reflect on his efforts - as do the rest of the Crows - and next season will surely be a great pointer as to the mettle of S. Thompson.

Nick Riewoldt (Saints) - There seem to be a lot of differing opinions out there regarding Riewoldt. Some think he is an out and out champion. Others name him as the most overrated player in the competition. Like most things, the answer lies somewhere in the middle.

One thing is for sure - on the big stage, a champion doesn’t produce as little as Riewoldt did on Sunday against the Cats. 9 touches, 5 marks, 1 goal. Not exactly what you’re looking for from your star player as you come up against the juggernaut that is Geelong. For the Saints band of confidence players - Koschitzke, Stevie Milne, the Clarke brothers - looking over and seeing their ‘bulletproof, invincible’ centre-half forward getting a bath is hardly likely to inspire them to greater heights, and it was no surprise to see the Saints roll over a long way from home.

Unlike Thompson, Riewoldt has the chance to redeem himself this week against the Pies. And it’s more important than just his reputation - the Saints’ season depends on it.

Recycled Players - Everyone remembers Byron Pickett’s Norm Smith Medal for the Power in 2004. Pickett was a successful recycled player. He is the exception - not the norm.

Every year, you will find players with a new lease on life. Take Paul Medhurst this year - he’s had a ripper of a year, and stood up when it counted against the Crows. But if you take a look through some of the worse performances of the week - you will see a common theme.

Try these names - Scott Welsh, Ben Hudson, Chris Bryan, Sam Power, Charlie Gardiner, Adam Schneider.

As handy as they may be through the year, there’s a reason they get let go by their former clubs. Clubs don’t get rid of big game players. And when the heat goes on, it’s often these players in which the cracks start to appear.

It does indicate a fragility that is hard to shake. Once you choke up when the acid is on, it can be a very hard thing to come back from. All of a sudden - the most inconsistent of players can be banked on to be consistently weak under pressure.

Finals. Whoever said they separate the men from the boys could not have been more correct.