To the Toppermost of the Poppermost You Mighty Giants!

The journey of many pursuits has seen people try to reach what they deem as the pinnacle or top of their particular field. It can be the drive or motivating factor for a group or individuals be it sports or arts and there are plenty of examples. The one that came to mind after the GWS Giants win and their subsequent first place position on the AFL ladder,  was the saying by former Beatle John Lennon. Whenever the chips were down or the band was going nowhere be it gigs or recognition, Lennon would vigorously exclaim loudly to the other Beatles in George Harrison and Paul McCartney “Where are we going fellas? and the other Beatles would shout “To the Top Johnny!” and Lennon would ask “Well where’s that fellas?” and they would reply “To the Toppermost of the Poppermost!” and Lennon would say “Right” and they were all cheered up again and the rest is history re: subsequent success.(The following clip below is of John Lennon talking about his motivational tactic)

Well, The GWS Giants footy team has been on a journey to reach the top of the AFL football competition and it’s taken a few short years to achieve this magnificent result. In their first season of 2012, they won the wooden spoon with only two wins, the next year it got worse with only one win for the season and another wooden spoon. Crowds were down, nobody really cared, the Melbourne press sneered at the GWS and thought “Yeah told you so”. Some thought the team would fold and the second Sydney team experiment would be an utter failure. Yet with head coach Leon Cameron, who took over from Kevin Sheedy,  The Giants have achieved remarkable results over the past few years. Sure, the club has had many favorable draft picks, but this team has had to build a club culture. You can have the best talent in the world, yet if no-one buys into your program, it counts for nothing. This team has become a solid unit. led by fine leaders in Phil Davis and Callan Ward who’ve seen their fair share of heartache and tough times. They are both key components of the 2017 GWS Giants. Ward fearlessly puts his body on the line in the hard contested packs, and Davis is tasked at the back to try and contain some of the games best forwards, like Joe Daniher (which he did on Saturday) Josh Kennedy or Jack Riewoldt. More often than not it’s Phil Davis who comes out on top.

All smiles Jeremy ‘Jezza” Cameron, is currently equal first on the Coleman Medal standings. Photo: Jodie Newell

Then there’s Jeremy Cameron, who shone during those dark losing days. His goal kicking ability was amazing then and now he continues to find a way to score. Toby Greene would have to be the most improved footballer. It wouldn’t be unfair to describe him as a petulant youth in previous seasons, with his poor disposal and silly off-field behavior. Thankfully he’s matured and he’s playing outstanding football. The clutch goals he kicked in the final term against West Coast last week in Perth were something else. Greene still has an edge about his game, but it’s tempered and that’s a good thing especially come finals time.

Most improved. Toby Greene is an outstanding player and is total clutch when required. Photo: Jodie Newell

Then there are the new kids, like Josh Kelly. Gerard Healy and others are rolling out the name Judd when they speak of him. It’s very early days yet, but Josh Kelly has emerged as a superbly skilled player. It would be a shame if the Giants cannot retain his services and realistically, if Kelly was to go to say a North Melbourne or St-Kilda, you’d have to ask yourself are those two teams closer to a premiership than the Giants? Obviously a player has to make the most money they can during a career. But also it’s important as a player to have a legacy of premierships and the Giants can go all the way, I’m convinced of that based on last year’s debut finals series and the class they have displayed this season. Kelly may see that as a very good reason to stay. Another bloke who deserves a mention is Alan McConnell, the GWS Director of Coaching. McConnell has the unenviable record of being the Fitzroy Lions final coach in 1996, before the team was sent to Queensland to become the Brisbane Lions. On Saturday night, Alan could be seen walking under the stands post-game. I jokingly said “Toppermost of the Poppermost Al!” to which he simply smiled and wiped his brow as if to mean “It’s been hard work”. His football nous and knowledge has been brilliant and he’s such and unsung hero of this team. The players lovingly call him the old man, but they respect McConnell big league. Hopefully the Giants won’t be a one hit wonder and will remain at the top of the football charts for a few weeks more.

A solid club culture in the Giants sheds. The rooms are always full of families and friends after a Giants game.Photo: Jodie Newell

Is Dons Is Better

The Essendon Football club did not disgrace themselves by losing on Saturday. They put on an impressive performance and almost took the game away from the Giants. In the ruck Tom Bellchambers was in superb touch against a tough opponent in Shane Mumford. He had 40 hit-outs to 34 and it was fair to say he won the rucking contest.Zach Merrett, skipper Dyson Heppell, Martin Gleeson and Jobe Watson all played well. Watson in particular was good. During the lead up many of the so-called experts where replaying a clip of a tired Watson chasing after a player and the conclusion there was, Watson was finished. Those calls were absurd as he was one of Essendon’s top possession getters. In centre clearances he would deftly push the ball to a team-mate. He made 7 tackles and had 28 disposals. Hardly the form of a bloke who was finished.

Essendon captain Dyson Heppell heading out for the pre-game warm-up on Saturday. Photo: Jodie Newell

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti had a quiet game, but popped up in the final quarter to kick two important goals and give the Bombers a chance of victory. He’s been another player that has played good football this season and will be an integral part of any success Essendon may have in the future.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti kicked two superb goals in the final quarter on Saturday. Photo: Jodie Newell

Joe Daniher continues to uphold the family football name. He had a quieter game compared to recent weeks and was reasonably held back by GWS defender Phil Davis. Daniher has such great forward ability and he’s an exciting player when he’s in the groove. We love his look as well. You could be forgiven for thinking Daniher comes from the 1910 era with his “Vintage Cigarette Card” moustache. You could just imagine him on one of those classic vintage footy cards from a bygone era. Here’s our rough attempt at the vintage look (below)

Have to mention Brendon Goddard and his 300th game. As Bombers coach John Worsfold alluded to post-game. This milestone doesn’t occur often in AFL records, with Goddard being only the 80th player to achieve 300 games. He’s been a great player for both St-Kilda and Essendon. He will always be remembered for that thrilling mark in the drawn grand final between St-Kilda and Collingwood in 2010. During his time at Essendon he’s played a steady hand during difficult times at the club. He’s a character and his own man. He was seen on camera swotting away some lollies in the sheds at half time, clearly frustrated. Only a bloke like Goddard could get away with this because his passion come gameday is very real. Well done BJ great achievement.