aboynamedsue wrote:
Bomba Sheldon wrote:
Tatts didnt get a run in 81 but did a mighty job on David Cloke in the GF playing at full-back, even though Cloke kicked 3 goals he wasn't the menace he was in the 2nd Semi two weeks earlier
Totally agree.
While on the topic of the 82 GF and players that were stiff......Fitzpatrick & Johnston were very unlucky not to win a Norm Smith. Either could have won the 82 Norm Smith and Fitzy could have easily won in 81 as well (not that anyone would begrudge Doull). Johnno could have won in 79, 82 or 87 (not that anyone would begrudge Harmes or Rhys-Jones).
Rioli was a terrific player, and deserves respect obviously, but I challenge anyone to watch the 82 GF now and say that it was a good decision to give him the medal. His opponent, Hunter, was among our best players and Rioli's best patch was when Hunter was off and Klomp was his opponent. In fact, I don't even think Rioli was Richmond's best player that day (I'd say the Flea, or maybe Raines).
I agree totally with what you have posted, Fitzy dominated 79 and 81 GF's. Johnno, Fitzy or Peter Francis could have all been fitting winners for 79.
in 82, Rioli got away from Klomp after Hunter was poleaxed by Jess after a fair hip and shoulder.
I still have paper clippings from the 82 GF where ALL the scribesfrom the Sun, Age, Herald etc voted Johnston as BOG. He kicked 1.3 that game, if he had of kicked 3.1 I reckon he may have been awarded the Norm Smith.
Johnno was good again in 87 and set the tone physically when he got Dipper with a fair hip and elbow
Johnno kicked the opening goals in the 82 and 87 GF's as well - gee I idolised that bloke growing up