What if the 1976 Preliminary final between Carlton and North Melb ended up in a draw instead of the kangas winning by 1 point?
With less than a minute to go David McKay had a shot from about 50 metres out that looked like going out on the full and Blight took the mark on the line next to the behind post. McKay mentioned that he tried too hard to kick for goal and if he knew there was less than a minute to go he would have made it certain of scoring a point.
That would have drawn the game and the repercussions for Hawthorn who won the premiership that year would have been huge. The hawks, already in the grand final had the week off and a prelim replay would have meant another week off for them. They may have gone into the grand final under-conditioned. That dilemma would have been compounded by the unfortunate passing of Peter Crimmins during the delayed grand final week.
North Melb probably would have won the prelim replay as Carlton seemed to lose their winning form after they drew with Footscray at Princes Park in round 22. Jezza, if he played, would have carried a knee injury that he copped during the first prelim and Carlton coach Ian Thorogood may have been outcoached by Barassi.
North Melb, maintaining their momentum unlike the hawks, would then have had a greater chance of winning back to back flags.
With less than a minute to go David McKay had a shot from about 50 metres out that looked like going out on the full and Blight took the mark on the line next to the behind post. McKay mentioned that he tried too hard to kick for goal and if he knew there was less than a minute to go he would have made it certain of scoring a point.
That would have drawn the game and the repercussions for Hawthorn who won the premiership that year would have been huge. The hawks, already in the grand final had the week off and a prelim replay would have meant another week off for them. They may have gone into the grand final under-conditioned. That dilemma would have been compounded by the unfortunate passing of Peter Crimmins during the delayed grand final week.
North Melb probably would have won the prelim replay as Carlton seemed to lose their winning form after they drew with Footscray at Princes Park in round 22. Jezza, if he played, would have carried a knee injury that he copped during the first prelim and Carlton coach Ian Thorogood may have been outcoached by Barassi.
North Melb, maintaining their momentum unlike the hawks, would then have had a greater chance of winning back to back flags.
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