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Defining Moment by Matt Harrington, Radio Sport 927 May 22, 2002 Every now and then there is a passage of play that is remarkable. On Saturday night, one such incident occurred in the match between Collingwood and Brisbane. It wasn't an outstanding mark, or pin-point pass, but Mark McGough's undoubted commitment to the his club's cause. It was inspiring, not just for his team-mates, but for any AFL spectator. Not since Dermott Brereton's efforts in the 1989 Grand Final - when he goaled early in the match after being pole-axed by Mark Yates at the first bounce (causing him to vomit on the field) - had a single incident inspired so much. When the Magpie rookie committed to a contest on centre wing during the tight, hectic third quarter, he unintentionally sent Collingwood into a new stratosphere. The incident lifted all the players, and suddenly the Pies appeared almost invincible. Beforehand captain Nathan Buckley was leading the way, and the Carringbush was playing its best football under Michael Malthouse. They had the all-conquering Brisbane Lions on the back foot. However, the general feeling the game gave was that the Lions could pounce at any time and surge away, as what was expected before the match. Young McGough changed all that with his undying commitment and lack of fear for his own safety as he met a charging Shaun Hart head on. It was a bone jarring collision which made fans, and some players, shudder. The ball popped loose to the advantage of a Collingwood player, and on the ensuing play Rupert Betheras kicked a crucial goal.
The Collingwood players' attack on the football after that incident was awesome. They lifted a gear, built a match-winning lead, and then held off the rampaging Lions late in the match. Scenes after the historic victory, with players rushing to McGough, who was on crutches with his leg heavily iced, were memorable. Each players' acknowledgment of the 17-year-old showed the impact the incident had. As the players shared the spoils of victory with the rising star, it appeared he was overwhelmed with tears more through the adrenaline of the win, than the pain he was in. That contest will now become the benchmark for the Pies as they strive for success in 2002. They are entering unchartered waters, that of a premiership contender, and if Mick needs to inspire the troops at any time, all he needs to do is pull out the tape of McGough putting the team before his own safety. The kid has the commitment and desire to go places, and if his team-mates can show the same courage, and selflessness all season, then Eddie may have to reschedule his media commitments come September. Balls and All.....this month • The Greatest Show on Earth Matt Harrington, 23 May 2002 • Mind Games Matt Harrington, 23 May 2002 • Racing's New Frontier Matt Harrington, 23 May 2002 • Defining Moment Matt Harrington, 23 May 2002 • The Sleeping Giant Matt Harrington, 23 May 2002 • Unfulfilled Potential Matt Harrington, 21 May 2002 • Time To Act Matt Harrington, 16 May 2002 • Football, Witchcraft and Flying Saucers Matt Harrington, 9 May 2002 • Changing Dimensions Matt Harrington, 3 May 2002 | ||||
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