- Jun 18, 2010
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I really enjoyed driving the one hour to get to Ruston Park to witness this match yesterday. The conditions were perfect and the facilities are the best in the WAFL by far.
It was grass roots footy at its best, even for a simple scratch match played in the heat.
Just walking onto the ground at quarter and three-quarter time for a listen to Cam Sheppard, Roger Hayden and Mark Webb address the players during the breaks is what makes it unique. Then you notice Nat Fyfe and Ballas standing near you having a listen as well, well what can you say.
As Salim mentioned, watching Brett Kirk come onto the ground with his son for a kick at half-time is why this alignment programme should be successful for the community down there.
The bar facilities were busy and the chips were salty (thanks Ken), but that really helped the country style atmosphere down there.
I stayed for a beer in the club rooms afterwards with a mate and it was great to see the players and officials from both sides come in for a drink and some friendly banter post-hooter.
Even Mora and his brother Luke popped in, as did Colin Sylvia and Max Duffy for a while.
They had a Peel "Hall of Fame" wall in the bar which included pictures of Scott Gumbleton, Paul Bower, Hayden Ballantyne and Ben Howlett
Chris Mayne stood next to me busily texting on his phone, whilst Son-Son, Danyle Pearce, Lachie Neale and Stephen Hill all cruised by us as they left the ground.
No sign of the "String Bag" though.
Not much of a game to watch though, but Mora looked superb, albeit a bit rusty in patches.
His boots were off at three-quarter time as he stood in the huddle, however he could have played the whole game if he had to. His fitness is fine, he is just lacking touch and game time.
Josh Simpson the other stand out for mine, and I did like Kristin Thornton at full forward even though he is not on our list.
I was disappointed with Sylvia I must say as this was his opportunity to shine.
Crozier was very good in patches and Craig Moller was okay even though he is probably still 2 years off AFL level.
I look forward to getting back down there on the 22nd of March when they take on the Reagles.
BTW- Get a Peel membership and enjoy the discounts on food and drink down there, plus get a good seat for the game in the stand.
Interesting about K Thornton.
he played 6 games for Sydney swans. A couple of badly timed injuries and being at the club in a strong era really crushed his chances.
At another club / time he might have had a decent AFL career.