DAHLHAUS CLONE’S INSANE GRAND FINAL
GRAND finals, especially for players aspiring to win a spot on an AFL club’s list, are all about delivering on the big stage.
Collingwood star Steele Sidebottom did that in 2008 when he booted 10 goals for the Murray Bushrangers in an unforgettable TAC Cup performance.
On Sunday night, Geelong Falcons livewire Gryan Miers produced a Sidebottom-like effort to inspire his side to one of the most thrilling premiership victories in TAC Cup history.
Miers booted seven goals against the Sandringham Dragons, including some stunning snaps and dribbles from the forward pocket, to lead the Falcons to a memorable two-point grand final win at Etihad Stadium.
Dragon Joel Amartey had the chance to win the game after the final siren, but his set-shot kick skewed to the left, sparking scenes of ecstasy for the Falcons and devastation for the Dragons.
Once the excitement had somewhat subdued, Miers — who has been compared to Bulldogs on-baller and ex-Falcon Luke Dahlhaus — was announced as the TAC Cup medallist for best player on the ground, finishing with 7.2 from 16 disposals, nine contested possessions and 12 score involvements.
“All it takes is limited opportunities for Gryan Miers to have an impact,” AFL national football talent manager Mick Ablett told Fox Footy.
“He’s a class act.”
Speaking in the aftermath of Sunday night’s thrilling win, Miers paid tribute to his teammates and Falcons talent manager Michael Turner.
“I just had one of those days. Lucky it just came to me every time,” Miers told Fox Footy.
“It’s unbelievable, we’re like brothers our team — such good camaraderie between us.
“To do Mick Turner proud, he’s been living on this for so long and wanted it so bad.”
While Miers was clearly best on ground, he had ample support from his midfielders.
Sam Walsh — a top five contender for the 2018 draft — won a game-high 30 disposals to go with seven inside 50s and five clearances, while Cassidy Parish — the brother of Essendon’s Darcy Parish — racked up 28 disposals and six clearances.
For the Dragons, Geordie Nagle was immense across half-back with 24 disposals, 10 marks and five rebound 50s as their best four-quarter performer. Charlie Constable (two goals from 23 disposals) was electric in the first half while Kai Owens (three goals and five marks) and Will Walker (two goals from 19 disposals) inspired the Dragons back into the contest in the final term.
Of all the players that graced the Etihad Stadium turf on Sunday night, Sandringham’s Andrew Brayshaw is likely to be the first taken. The brother of Demon Angus Brayshaw was consistent throughout the game, finishing with 21 disposals and laying a game-high 11 tackles. He looms as a top-10 pick.