Apparently passed away on the couch watching the footy last night.

Terribly sad news. He was a brilliant play by play caller.

I loved his cricket commentary on ABC radio as well. Felt as though I was listening to an old friend.

Max Laughton‏Verified account @maxlaughton

With Adelaide & Richmond advancing to the Grand Final, Carlton & North Melbourne are tied for longest active Grand Final drought (18 years).

Max Laughton‏Verified account @maxlaughton

With Adelaide & Richmond advancing to the Grand Final, Carlton & North Melbourne are tied for longest active Grand Final drought (18 years).

We just need to stick to the plan and ignore outside noise

Well I know Kouta had a great last quarter in 99 ... but if you really want to see him at his best watch the 1996 Round 5 Carlton V Westcoast game.

He was unbelievable ... better than 99. Once again he dominated in the final quarter.

Heres a link to a crappy quality of that game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngWUqAnvARk

I think the difference is that Kouta in 99/00 was feared. He was like Jonah Lomu - larger than life. Playing a different game from the mortals.

In 99 he was what we call in writing the “paragon”. Fully formed, almost mystical. He had no growth left in his story.

In the game you’ve posted he was only a Mary Sue: able to turn his hand to any task and succeed. But still not godlike. Still not infallible.

I remember going to games in 2000 (my first game was the 99 prelim) and we were like: “Yeah, whatever Richmond/North/Melbourne, but wait until Kouta gets the ball.” Then all will be well. He was larger than life in late 99/00. Thanks goodness for Ratten and Allen and Campo and Macca but we were just waiting for Kouta to fix it.

He was a god back then. More so than Judd, which is seriously saying something.

My love for Kouta (ok, and tc) kept me keen through a number of years of shitness. Man I was so pumped when I saw him at colonial in that knee strap, running at walking pace (and I’m pretty sure kicking a goal). I think we got beat in that game but shit I cheered for him.

My ramble comes from the heart of a supporter who was initially forced to follow the blues through my gf as a kiwi, and found love through the heroics of that man at the turn of the century.

Then again, I wasn’t in the country during the mid 90s so maybe he was better then. #awkward.

That’s the best quarter of football I’ve ever seen from a player.

I remember laughing through most of it because it was so ridiculous.

I think he had 18 disposals in that last quarter and was kicking it 60 metres and roving the packs when the ball spilled free from his kick.

No Kernahan or Brown that day.

Blues by a point in a game where the biggest margin throughout the day was bugger all.