Swans ready to take the flag

September 14, 2008

Next Sunday afternoon I intend to be at Subiaco Oval.

For the first time in 18 years, Swan Districts will be playing in a Grand Final.

I’m sure that most people would be picking Subiaco to grab their third Premiership in a row, but win, lose or draw, Swans have had a remarkable year and taking the flag for 2008 is certainly not out of the question.

With a mid-season form slump that saw them lose several games in a row, no one would have predicted that the mighty black and whites could have lifted so well to place themselves in this year’s Grand Final, but after beating West Perth yesterday by ten points, they’re ready to fight for the ultimate prize in the WAFL competition.

The Swans led at the first change by six points, but trailed by 27 points at half-time as Adam Campbell fired up at full forward to try and put the game out of the Swans’ reach.

However, the ‘comeback kings’ of season 2008 controlled the majority of the second half to claim a 15.14 (104) to 14.10 (94) victory in front of 5556 fans at the Arena in the first preliminary final played away from Subiaco Oval since 1934.

Swans, the only team to have beaten the mighty Subiaco this season, will take on the Lions in the WAFL grand final next Sunday, September 21 at Subiaco Oval. - WAFL Website

I’ve only ever been to one other WAFL Grand Final. That was back in the early eighties when WAFL footy was still huge in Western Australia. I slept on the concrete outside the gate to ensure a good seat. When the gates opened thousands of people flooded in to stake their claim. I got a seat one row back from the fence which is where I sat all day to watch Swans win a Premiership.

There won’t be a full house at the game next Sunday but I certainly intend being there. It’ll be a lot more civilised as I wander up to the gate with my numbered ticket and then make my way to my seat, but I can assure you, victory will be just as sweet.

Swans will certainly go into the game as the underdogs but I’ll be hoping for a massive upset and big celebrations after the game.

12 Responses to “Swans ready to take the flag”

Gaz said:

September 14th, 2008 at 10:25 am

Tell him he’s dreaming!!
Sorry Rodney, but can’t see the mighty Lions messing this one up. Only annoying thing is I won’t be able to see it in QLD.
Dave Quinn said:

September 14th, 2008 at 10:29 am

I was waiting for this post Rodney as I know you are an avid Swans supporter. I watched the game live on ABC1 yesterday. It was a great game. Especially the last quarter when it was goal for goal. The only problem from my perspective was the result…being a life long West Perth supporter!!! I hope Swans do well next week. I’ll be watching too.
Rodney Olsen said:

September 14th, 2008 at 1:17 pm

Gaz, I think you’re forgetting that Swans beat Subi in the pre-season Grand Final and were the only team to beat them in the home and away season.

The money will certainly be on Subi but then everyone had West Perth tipped to win yesterday.
Mark E said:

September 14th, 2008 at 4:51 pm

Subi has all the money….and that is why they do so well, they have bought a team.

I will be barracking for the Swans…particularly Nattanui…and here’s hoping the Dockers pick him up. He is a ripper, watching him yesterday was exciting.
John Finkelde said:

September 14th, 2008 at 11:18 pm

Rodney sorry to disappoint you but NOTHNG stands in the way of our threepeat!!
Gaz said:

September 15th, 2008 at 7:29 am

Subiaco has the smallest region to draw young players from, yet they still manage to build a home ground talented team.
There have been numerous times in the past five years when they’ve had no AFL listed players in their league side, compared to other teams.
The thing is they would be the most professional of all WAFL clubs and have built a winning culture.
John Finkelde said:

September 15th, 2008 at 9:51 am

As a longtime Subi supporter I loved watching greats like Brian Sarre, Austin Robertson Jnr, Reg Hampson, Peter Metropolis, Haydyn Bunton Jnr, Cam Blakemore in the 60’s - yes I am that old!

However I suffered greatly thru that era as I waited for the decades long premiership drought to break … then in 1973 when it did break I was overseas - UNBELIEVABLE!

So I have no time for arguments about $$ or salary caps or wotever I just want SUCCESS!

Let’s go for 10 in a row!
James said:

September 18th, 2008 at 3:06 pm

Carn Subi!

I have to say it is nice to see Swans make a GF after such a long break…but Subi is my team so I can’t HELP but want Subi to win!

And John, you probably went to many, many games that my Dad went to. he started going in the early 70’s and then rarely missed a game. MAD keen Subi man he is:)
Gaz said:

September 21st, 2008 at 6:30 pm

Bad luck Rodney.
John Finkelde said:

September 22nd, 2008 at 11:20 am

Austin Robertson Jnr tossed the coin but didn’t look as sleek as he did back in the ’60’s when kicking goals from all angles but then neither do I!!

Nice effort Subi tho your team played very well in first half Rodney

4 in 5 yrs helps heal the memories of some bad Subi games I watched in the 60’s & 70’s!
Rodney Olsen said:

September 22nd, 2008 at 11:29 am

Austin Robertson Jnr was interviewed at a lunch I attended on Friday. He’s certainly aged but he had some great stories to tell. Great to see that the powers that be have named the goals at the Subi end of Subiaco Oval after him.

It was an excellent game to watch live … for the first half.

While I would have liked to see a much closer result it was great to see a team of very young and inexperienced players give the premiers a real scare in the first half of the game.

I think that the Swans have some very good years coming up.
John Finkelde said:

September 22nd, 2008 at 1:07 pm

What a great idea to name the goals at the Subi after Ocker Roberston - brilliant!

Yep I think your WAFL seasons will be quite enjoyable for next couple of years Rodney.