I had the opportunity to watch the game on Foxtel (not quite like being there, but there was air-conditioning involved), and while I am yet to be convince that the skill level of both the players and the commentators is in any way superior to the NSL, I must admit it was nice to see the round ball game going so well.
The crowd was great in size and in attitude, despite being alternately soaked in sweat, then rain and also by those strange mist-making machines that were brought in to help cool the players. Sadly, the mist-machine had no such effect on Ross Aloisi who went to some effort to stupidly get sent off in the first half, marking the end of Adelaide’s chances for success.
The man seen smiling in all of the post game photography, Archie Thompson, did a wonderful job, scoring a hat-trick in the first half, and casually finishing off his tally sheet with another two goals in the second half. Christian Sarkies did well to come on as Archie’s replacement and really stick the boot into the miserable Adelaide. But frankly all awards must go to Fred, a player whose class and skill with the ball continues to set Victory apart from the rest. With service like that its no wonder Thompson walked away with 5.
However, I would like point out something to television news producers. When producing a sports news story, I would appreciate it if you could tell me about the result of the game before you tell me about how well-behaved the crowd was. Victory crowds have proved themselves over two seasons to be free from organised violence and it is insulting to both the fans and the team that race violence (or lack thereof) is more important than the results of the game.
* am I really the only person who thinks this is the worst sporting trophy ever produced?
Picture from The Age online.
