Memories....

Partridge

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#51
The problem was we were all desperate for a new Gary Ablett who would lead us back to the the halcyon days of the early 90's and with Kent being the man in front of goals he was set an impossible task. When the reality of his being just an 'ok footballer' rather than the superstar we wanted started to seep in, he became a focus of derision - it was 'his fault' rather than 'our fault' for failing to meet the standards of our impossible dreams. That seemed to be fate of a lot of footballers post Gary Ablett, with Excell and the great McCarthy two such players suffering the same fate. It was really only the 2007 premiership with it's many paths to goal than finally swept that warped thinking from our collective minds.
I'm not so sure about that. I never looked at Kingsley as a 100 goal a season spearhead. He was the focus of derision because he went to water when the pressure was on, nothing to do with not being Gary Ablett.

When you're a key forward who's terrified to have a shot at goal from 40 metres out, you're going to be criticised. And rightly so.
 

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Geelong_Sicko

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#52
The problem was we were all desperate for a new Gary Ablett who would lead us back to the the halcyon days of the early 90's and with Kent being the man in front of goals he was set an impossible task. When the reality of his being just an 'ok footballer' rather than the superstar we wanted started to seep in, he became a focus of derision - it was 'his fault' rather than 'our fault' for failing to meet the standards of our impossible dreams. That seemed to be fate of a lot of footballers post Gary Ablett, with Excell and the great McCarthy two such players suffering the same fate. It was really only the 2007 premiership with it's many paths to goal than finally swept that warped thinking from our collective minds.
Great post, Jim. Halycon days indeed. Remember the hype on Brett "The Sphincter" Spinks? Recruiting Brad Ottens AS A FULL FORWARD? Gaz Snr spoilt us rotten, and we've been very demanding of our full forwards ever since. Even Tom Hawkins suffered from this massive expectation placed on him from the time he joined.

I wonder if Hawthorn fans suffered post-Dunstall? I think St Kilda went through the same thing post-Lockett - my how they must have cursed Sydney in poaching both Plugger AND his replacement in Barry Hall!
 
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#53
Great post, Jim. Halycon days indeed. Remember the hype on Brett "The Sphincter" Spinks? Recruiting Brad Ottens AS A FULL FORWARD? Gaz Snr spoilt us rotten, and we've been very demanding of our full forwards ever since. Even Tom Hawkins suffered from this massive expectation placed on him from the time he joined.
Not to mention how hard we tried to get Jade Rawlings to come and be the key forward...that was one trade we were lucky not to pull off. He had some serious goal kicking yips at the Dogs.
 

Vdubs

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#56
Did he actually get a game at Richmond?
We saw him sitting on the bench down at Geelong, playing for Richmond's VFL team, whoever they were. Sad sight really. His fall from grace was very dramatic, as was David Clarke jnr. He, DC jnr, appeared to become a player over the space of one season, totally bereft of confidence. His early performances were very promising, quick, dashing runs forward, goals on the run, average kick, but at the end, he just could not kick at all.
 

manboob

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#57
We saw him sitting on the bench down at Geelong, playing for Richmond's VFL team, whoever they were. Sad sight really. His fall from grace was very dramatic, as was David Clarke jnr. He, DC jnr, appeared to become a player over the space of one season, totally bereft of confidence. His early performances were very promising, quick, dashing runs forward, goals on the run, average kick, but at the end, he just could not kick at all.
Yeah it was a shame for the kid, in today's day and age he probably would have done alright playing a Harry O type role. Just, get the ball, run, kick it and hope.
 

winty

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Moderator #58
We saw him sitting on the bench down at Geelong, playing for Richmond's VFL team, whoever they were. Sad sight really. His fall from grace was very dramatic, as was David Clarke jnr. He, DC jnr, appeared to become a player over the space of one season, totally bereft of confidence. His early performances were very promising, quick, dashing runs forward, goals on the run, average kick, but at the end, he just could not kick at all.
I still find it somewhat funny though that the year before he left, Richmond finished above us, but once we got rid of him, we finished first and they finished last. :p
 

Gavin Excell

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#59
Gavin Exell 9 goals v Hawks Princes park 1989.

We ultimately lost but to me thats when the club moved from just another mid range team - perhaps till then hardworking and colourless to an exciting, competition leading team. Apart from a stint early 2000s haven't really looked back.

Geelong has played in 8 grand finals in the 23 years since then. A wonderful return for fans.
 
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#60
Great memories guys.

Here's a few of mine:
Otto's chase in the 2007 GF still gives me goose bumps....
'Pasties' Peake arriving at KP in a chopper. ( The only day I ever wagged school to get there)
Gaz snr going ballistic against Melbourne in a semi.
Billy's goal after the siren against the Doggies in a final.

Stephen Who?per Geelong's only #1 Draft pick
'Pasties' not being able to live up to the hype
Darren Morgan!!!
Losing the boys to Sydney with Tommy...gut wrenching
 

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winty

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Moderator #62
Was just watching the game against North in Round 1, 1999 when Jason Mooney flattened Martin Pike with a text book hip and shoulder. Did we ever have Jason and Cam play in the same team when Cam came over at the end of the 1999 season?
 

Farmer2Goggin

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#63
Catalogue of memories but a few spring to mind:

> Reaching over the fence to touch Pollys shoulder on a cold , rainy day at KP - instant love affair for a 7 year old
> Newmans marking ability and the white boots - say what you like about him but shit he could play
> Anticipation of training it to the G to watch us play the Tigers in the 60's 70's
> Gaz coming out of retirement - was at the snow and my mates interrupted me when in the shower - asked me what would make me the happiest - instantly said Gaz is back , got called an absolute Moo but loved it !!
> Watching Junior become elite
> Any one of Seniors highlights but the Pert mark was special - was in the pocket and saw it unfold, mesmerising
> Sharing 2007 at the game with my 11 year old son and backing that up with him in 2011
> Sitting in the dugout with Buddha and hearing him pay out on certain Cat Officials during the game ( he was a late withdrawal)

Love this Team !!
 
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