If the pundits were right,Port would be at the top of the ladder and West Coast wouldn’t rate. Fans suffer through this insight deficit right up until Grand Final dayFooty fans might be surprised to learn of a parallel world: at the top of the ladder sits an imperious Port Adelaide; at its foot lie the hapless Dogs. Gold Coast obtain the eight, the superior of the newest expansion teams. West Coast creeps into the eight too, and but aren’t fancied beyond the first round. There will be no finals for the Crows.
In this peculiar world,Port coach Ken Hinkley is spoken of as likely heir to Alastair Clarkson’s stature; his young team celebrated for a manic but well organised ferocity. At the other halt, Robert Murphy surveys a dismal season and contemplates retirement. Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com