When the week starts after the Bye for finals, that little bubble of excitement, knowing that your team is a part of the buildup – gets bigger and bigger with each passing day as you move closer to the game. It makes no difference how you got there; the fact that your team is there is pure excitement. (It beats sitting back and watching other teams become a part of that race to the ultimate prize).
It has been reported that Sam Docherty is going to be a part of the team that heads up to Brisbane. Nothing shouts resilience, determination and a sheer will to be a part of that finals campaign. Some say he should not play because he is recovering from another ACL. Yet he has been training and running in a way where he definitely should be in the mix. Whether he starts or is the sub, he definitely should be there. The reason is simple: what he offers as motivation and leadership should not be underestimated, whether he starts or is the sub. If he becomes the sub, he brings leadership and respect both on and off the field, which will only prove to be a positive influence. His ability to actually make a difference on the field and off should not be underestimated. I agree with the decision to include him.
Some in the media have stated that Brisbane Lions will smash Carlton. Here, I disagree. If we get back, which we will, some of our previous injured players, then the game becomes one that is firmly placed in our hands. Our match against St Kilda was one where we had several inexperienced players who have not had the luxury of developing over time in high-pressure AFL games. Playing in the VFL is vastly different from playing in the AFL. Some did step up, but they need more time to grow and develop to continually perform under that pressure at an AFL level.
In this regard, no one must underestimate the impact that having Docherty back on the team and these younger players will have on the game and the team as a whole. To come out and state categorically that Brisbane will thrash Carlton is misguided and misinformed. In this season alone, we have seen those teams that should have won lose and those that should have lost win.
The Bye before the Finals begins is one where a ‘reset’ button has been pressed. Do not underestimate how this can and does impact the games moving forward. How having allowed injured players to recover and build up fitness should not be taken lightly. If the injury is minor enough, their ability to heal and train at full pace is something that the Bye ‘resets’ for Finals.
We know that these players can play under pressure and in a Final. We saw it last year. The path on Saturday is ours for the taking, no matter what others may say or predict. However, win or lose, what we, as Carlton supporters, must and should emulate is the same thing that Sam Docherty does: dedication, commitment, and unwavering support for the team and what it wants to achieve.
I’m going to be there, and that little bubble of excitement is brewing with each passing hour, win or lose!
#GOBLUES!
Image courtesy of Carlton FC.
SPORTZ 