This game just always seems to deliver. As a neutral I'd say it's probably the non Essendon game I look forward to the most.
Obviously today had added significance, and I don't think that's going to go away. Add to this the history between the two clubs, the fierce rivalry, and now the perfect setting with the magnificent stadium.
The one town, two team thing is fairly unique in our game with Freo-WC only really challenging it. It reminds me of some of the big European rivalries - a genuine rivalry that splits a city in two.
Anyway, I think it's one of the best displays and advertisements of our game, and it'd only be bigger and benefit the whole game more if a proper event was made of the clash. Making it a standalone game would only draw more attention and prestige to it, with the whole footy world watching.
Would people be in favour of this? It just seems like other matches have been able to build another dimension, such as ANZAC Day for Collingwood v Essendon and Easter Monday for Geelong v Hawthorn.
I think we should find a permanent annual fixture for a standalone showdown. It could be a night game on ANZAC Day, maybe the long awaited Good Friday slot... a night game on Queens Birthday eve... Whatever. I'm sure something can be found. I think it'd work really well and be a great event.
Obviously today had added significance, and I don't think that's going to go away. Add to this the history between the two clubs, the fierce rivalry, and now the perfect setting with the magnificent stadium.
The one town, two team thing is fairly unique in our game with Freo-WC only really challenging it. It reminds me of some of the big European rivalries - a genuine rivalry that splits a city in two.
Anyway, I think it's one of the best displays and advertisements of our game, and it'd only be bigger and benefit the whole game more if a proper event was made of the clash. Making it a standalone game would only draw more attention and prestige to it, with the whole footy world watching.
Would people be in favour of this? It just seems like other matches have been able to build another dimension, such as ANZAC Day for Collingwood v Essendon and Easter Monday for Geelong v Hawthorn.
I think we should find a permanent annual fixture for a standalone showdown. It could be a night game on ANZAC Day, maybe the long awaited Good Friday slot... a night game on Queens Birthday eve... Whatever. I'm sure something can be found. I think it'd work really well and be a great event.