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MES Powerhouse clubs keen for breakthrough success are firmin as contenders as the AFL and NRL seasons reach their crescendo Words Megan Hustwaite and Charlotte Brundrett eelong superstar Patrick (___ Dangerfield had achieved every individual accolade on offer but the ultimate team success had eluded him until last year when the Cats raised the AFL premiership cup. And there was plenty of time for that winning feeling to sink in with Geelong establishing a big early lead on the way to an 81-point thrashing of the Sydney Swans. “We played so well throughout the game, we knew we were going to win half-way through the third quarter really, so when the siren went it wasn’t necessarily the feeling | thought it would be, but it sunk in probably more in the aftermath of the day, the week, the finals series,” the 33-year-old says. “The best part of winning a flag is the stories and celebrations you get to have afterwards, all the little stories and idiosyncrasies of the season that as a team you celebrate and enjoy together.” For Patrick, the premiership experience was more than just four quarters — it was also the Grand Final parade, which included a boat trip along the Yarra River for the first time, a global superstar rocking the pre-game entertainment and the roar of the crowd. “The parade was amazing, a really cool experience to enjoy. Certainly, every time Robbie Williams comes on the radio that brings back wonderful memories and Ijust smile? he says. “The crowd, the fans are what gives it soul. The most incredible amphitheatre and reception we got for the Grand Final. Itjust shows you how important people are to the game.” It’s a feeling Collingwood captain Darcy Moore hopes to emulate in front of the black and white army on that last Saturday in September, after falling just short last year. “We were all there and we know how it felt to come so close and to throw everything at the season,” Darcy, 27, says of their one-point preliminary final loss to Sydney. 20 “To play some of the most damaging football in the league when it counted is something that no one can take away from us and it is something that we're excited about approaching the pointy end of this season. “It’s the biggest rush I’ve experienced on the job. It feels like every game has so. much more consequence and that is such a thrill and such a joy to be a part of” One year into his captaincy, Darcy says he has enjoyed sharing the experience with his father, Peter, a dual Brownlow medallist and former Collingwood captain, who played in four losing Grand Final teams before being recruited to Melbourne. “It’s (the captaincy) something we'll remember for the rest of our lives that we both got to do it, which is a big honour,” Darcy says. | suppose for the upcoming finals, my dad played in a lot of finals and in a lot of successful teams, but was never able to go all the way and win a premiership so that’s definitely an ambition of mine and the team.” And his dad’s biggest tip come finals time? “To trust myself. ’'m always someone who relishes the big games and the big moments so he told me to just trust that and trust myself when I’m out there and not try to overthink it.” For NRL players Corey Oates and Cameron Murray, premiership success would have extra special meaning. Corey, 28, and Cameron, 25, grew up supporting the teams they now represent, the Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs. The Broncos haven't triumphed since 2006, while the Rabbitohs last lifted the trophy in 2014 but that could change this year with both clubs finals bound. “There’s a photo of me as a little kid with all the Broncos gear on. | watched that Grand Final at my cousin’s place 17 years ago and when | got offered my first contract as a teenager, | was pretty stoked,” Corey says. “To have success with the club would be adream come true. It’s part of the reason Pve stayed here my whole career. It’s the only place I’ve ever wanted to win and play (in).” In four of the past five seasons, the Rabbitohs have stumbled at the preliminary final, but in 2021 advanced to the decider before losing to Penrith. “On paper it’s a pretty good resume but we're hungrier than ever to get the job done and make sure we're holding up the trophy at the end of it,” Cameron explains. “Remembering how falling short felt makes the fire burn stronger.” Because of the pandemic, the 2021 Grand Final was played in a Queensland bubble, so the prospect of enjoying the full experience fuels Cameron. “We gota small glimpse of what the hype and excitement was like so it would bbe nice to experience what a proper Grand Final week would be like at home because we do have really passionate members and supporters,” Cameron says. “Pd be lying if | said | don’t often think about what winning would mean to myself, my teammates, the coaching staff, our club and our incredible supporters across the country. Clockwise from left: Geelong Cats skipper Patrick Dangerfield, Collingwood Magpies captain Darcy Moore, Brisbane Broncos star Corey Oates and Cameron Murray, captain of the South Sydney Rabbitohs Photography: AFL Photos NRL Photos “It’s so special to run out in front of the red and green army every week so to be able bring the trophy back home and relive what they did in 2014, after 43-year drought, would be a dream come true.” Chemist Warehouse is an official partner of the AFL and NRL. Saturday, September 30 Sunday, October 1
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