"Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty" - Bertrand Russell
As we headed to a before game, mid-morning viewing of the movie The Man Who Knew Infinity, our only mathematical concern was whether the post-daylight saving decision to turn the clock back an hour rather than forward was the correct one.
The Bertrand Russell quote, from the movie’s opening frame, provided something of a metaphor for the exciting encounter that took place at Manuka Oval later in the day.
There was truth laid bare, as it is in so many sporting contests, in the manner in which the competing athletes have a split second to make a decision and then accept responsibility for the result. And there was supreme beauty in the manner in which Will Hoskin-Elliott soared to the heavens to take a superb mark in a third quarter contest.
The GIANTS came of age in their best performance at Manuka Oval and arguably their best win against a quality opponent. Not only were there the exciting, well-coordinated attacking moves but the team also stood strong when Geelong mounted the inevitable challenge.
After an early goal following a low, athletic mark by Tom Hawkins, Geelong attacked in a relentless but somewhat wasteful manner. The GIANTS’ ventures into the Cameron–free forward line were easily rebuffed until Nathan Wilson broke the shackles, burst out of the centre and kicked a long goal. The dangerous Patrick Dangerfield and ranging Ryan Griffen matched one another for disposals in the first quarter.
Thereafter, GWS established an ascendency with Griffen together with Toby Greene and Tom Scully gaining plenty of possessions from Shane Mumford’s rucking efforts or contested field play. The GIANTS surged ahead and when Devon Smith goaled in the third quarter, the lead was 36 points. A long Coniglio goal was celebrated by the GWS Cheer Squad with the voicing of “Stephen Coniglio, Stephen Coniglio, Stephen Coniglio” to the tune of an operatic aria.
Mumford laid a take no prisoners bone crunching tackle on an unfortunate Mitch Duncan, Rory Lobb grabbed a couple of good marks, one in defence and one for a goal and then there was Steve Johnson.
In the press throughout the week in the lead up to the match, Johnson had been the talking point– criticism that he had been too selfish against the Demons and that he would likely indulge in distracting chit-chat with his former team mates this week. Stevie produced vintage Stevie. Take a mark, play on, no, not that way, go back and around and maybe underneath. He kicked two goals, laid some hard tackles on former team-mates and gave total support to his new colleagues, in play and via his verbal encouragement.
Towards the end of the third quarter, Geelong, who had looked slow for a time, suddenly burst into life. Hawkins kicked an astonishing goal off the ground from way out in the pocket. The lead was pegged back. GWS attacking options were cut off or withered away up forward. Geelong was let in for soft goals after Toby Greene reverted to silliness and Heath Shaw produced a rare, careless error. It happened. The GIANTS hung on grimly in the desperate final minutes and it was fitting that Ryan Griffen should kick the goal that sealed the match.
The crowd of 13,656 had a great day in the sun. A full house in successive years for the Manuka contest between GWS and the Cats. Blue and white-hooped jumpers mingled with the orange and grey, the latter notably worn by younger supporters. A number of Geelong fans were seen purchasing Steve Johnson GWS badges. Now that represents commitment and dedication, or should I say, truth and beauty.
All in all, a thrilling game of football played by two teams with much to look forward to for the season.
Peter Crossing is a Crows supporter who resides in Canberra. He enjoys the fact that the GIANTS bring Australian Football to Manuka OVal.
More stories and other fan-writing can be found on the GIANTS page at www.footyalmanac.com.au
