Talk Cheap For Lions And Pies In Build-up
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday September 25, 2002
As always, quote and counter-quote from the combatants in the AFL grand final are being portrayed as vital psychological warfare. However, so trivial are the points being scored by the Brisbane and Collingwood camps this week, it seems the only real objective is to fill reporters' notebooks.
On Monday, Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews attempted to play the ``hard-done-by interstate visitor" card by suggesting the Magpies had been handed the use of their favoured change-rooms without the Lions' knowledge. ``They're playing at their home ground in their home city and have even been allocated their home rooms, so everything is going their way," he said.
Yesterday, Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse was dismissive. ``Rooms are rooms," he said. ``You run down the race and that's where the action is."
Typically, the Lions' outspoken midfielder Jason Akermanis also entered the fray, suggesting that Collingwood's tenacious tagger Paul Licuria Akermanis's most likely opponent would himself be the subject of close attention on Saturday from Brisbane's close-checking Shaun Hart.
To this, Malthouse replied facetiously that while not even his captain, Nathan Buckley, had an impact on selection or tactics, Akermanis was clearly in a different category with the Lions.
``They've obviously brought people into their match committee, Jason is obviously in that," he said.
But beyond this lukewarm verbal sparring, it is clear the two teams and their tough, experienced coaches share a mutual respect. Rather than try to score cheap points in the lead-up, the most likely scenario is that they will work hard to impose themselves physically in the opening minutes, by fair means or foul.
``Grand final history is that something will happen in the first one, two or three minutes," Malthouse said. ``But I don't think that achieves anything other than players getting reported or giving away silly free kicks."
With 21 of his 22 players entering their first grand final, Malthouse has the task of focusing young minds and helping his team avoid grand final nerves.
However, after unsuccessfully attempting to use a method prescribed by a psychologist to ease the nerves of a player who was vomiting in the rooms before Saturday's preliminary final, Malthouse knows his limitations. ``As soon as I did it he threw up three more times," he admitted.
Despite the light mood at their Victoria Park headquarters, few believe the Magpies can overcome the talented Brisbane team. Simon Black's victory on Monday night means that three of the so-called ``Fab Four" Lions midfielders are now Brownlow Medallists, an intimidating fact given the quality of their support cast.
However, Malthouse is not concerned about a possible Brisbane blitz early. ``We've got to guard against panic if they do get in front of us but I've got the utmost faith in these blokes."
Meanwhile, Buckley may well go head-to-head with Lions champion Michael Voss. ``I enjoy competing against the best players in the competition and there's no doubt he's one of the best, if not the best," Buckley said.
© 2002 Sydney Morning Herald
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