Macpotata
Norm Smith Medallist
- Mar 22, 2017
- 9,595
- 10,877
- AFL Club
- Geelong
I don't think these guys get enough recognition for their accomplishments in the late 1990's. No other side went back to back in that decade. Pretty big statement considering we had the likes of Hawthorn, West Coast, Carlton and powerhouse North. The Cats were a phenomenal beast yet we couldn't even muster one flag. The Dons were strong and only managed one. Yet this side won two, and did so in 1998 after travelling on the road in all weeks in September, and in their last home and away game of the year against WCE in Perth. That's 5 consecutive away games to end the year. Remarkable.
They were the first side ever to win 4 finals also the year before coming back from 40 points down in a prelim final. That year they were missing Tony Modra and Mark Riccuito in he big dance and were well tested by a strong St.Kilda outfit. Andrew Mcleod won two consecutive Norm Smiths, and although North kicked themselves out of the game in the first half in 1998, the Crows still rallied from a 4 goal half time deficit which is quite a hard task to do. The Saints led by about that margin too the year before at various stages. That year they beat everyone above them in the finals, The Bulldogs in 3rd place, the Cats in 2nd and the Saints in 1st. And in week 1 West Coast in 5th. They beat the best, every week of the finals.
Phenomenal team. I think a lot of people use the word fluke to describe their achievements when in reality, only a truly great side can win two consecutive premierships.
They were the first side ever to win 4 finals also the year before coming back from 40 points down in a prelim final. That year they were missing Tony Modra and Mark Riccuito in he big dance and were well tested by a strong St.Kilda outfit. Andrew Mcleod won two consecutive Norm Smiths, and although North kicked themselves out of the game in the first half in 1998, the Crows still rallied from a 4 goal half time deficit which is quite a hard task to do. The Saints led by about that margin too the year before at various stages. That year they beat everyone above them in the finals, The Bulldogs in 3rd place, the Cats in 2nd and the Saints in 1st. And in week 1 West Coast in 5th. They beat the best, every week of the finals.
Phenomenal team. I think a lot of people use the word fluke to describe their achievements when in reality, only a truly great side can win two consecutive premierships.