Dreams really do come true
Player medal: Jarryd Blair receives the spoils of victory. Photo courtesy Herald Sun.
By Isaac McCallum
ONLY four months since making his debut for the Collingwood Magpies, on Saturday Jarryd Blair stood on the premiership dais with a medal around his neck and a huge smile on his face.
The former Wonthaggi Power player played just his 12th game, and second grand final in what has been a whirlwind year for the 20-year-old.
Homes in the area were lit up with the cheers of “Blairy” when he went near the ball, and when the siren sounded they all had a soft spot for the little engine that could.
“In the last 15 minutes of that last quarter it started to sink in a little bit. It was amazing,” he said post match.
“It’s what you dream of your whole life, and I can’t believe it has happened. I was just happy to play senior footy, let alone win a premiership. It’s not going to sink in for a long time.”
Blair is known as the Aardvark for his small stature and the way he burrows himself beneath packs.
The name was given to him by captain Nick Maxwell, who mentioned Blair in his post game speech.
“There’s so many good stories to come out of today, blokes like Jarryd Blair, who wasn’t even in our best 30 players at the start of the year. For him to come out here and play so well is amazing,” he said.
Fellow South Gippslander Brent Macaffer also took the field; the fellow Kilcunda-Bass player was excellent in his contribution to the game, with 14 possessions, five marks and two goals.
“I just remember that final siren going and it being the best feeling of my life, and just getting around all the boys – awesome. Best feeling ever,” he said after the game.
“We had a taste of it last week, and that settled the nerves a bit coming in to this week. Everyone stood up today and that’s what won us the premiership.”
Former Stony Creek player-cum St Kilda grand finalist Robert Eddy felt the heartache of another grand final without a win.
The tough customer played the last half with what is suspected to be a broken arm.
Eddy had five possessions but concern about his arm affected his normal game. He was brave enough to have continued to contribute.
Magpie honour
Former Magpie ruckman Trevor Steer was honoured to be a part of the grand final replay cavalcade which wound its way around the MCG on Saturday as part of the build-up to the big match.
The cavalcade featured some of the players who figured in the famous 1966 grand final won by St Kilda by one point. Trevor was vice-captain that year.
After the cavalcade Trevor enjoyed watching the mighty Pies take out the replay in a “cakewalk”.
Local fan
Of the many Leongatha Magpie fans there couldn’t be many more devout than Pat Higgins.
Pat watched the grand final at home with his wife Marg and son Gerard.
“I’m on top of the world”, Pat told the Star on Monday.
Pat retired from the Leongatha Primary School in 1986 where he had served many years as principal.
“Since I retired I’ve been lucky enough to see Collingwood win two flags,” Pat said.
He was at the ground in 1990 with Noel Smith to see Collingwood defeat Essendon. He stayed at home and watched Saturday’s win on the television.
“My whole family is Collingwood, they wouldn’t have lived here had they barracked for anyone else.”
Pat, whose sign “Collingwood forever”, still sits in the front window, was intent on not letting anyone disturb the peace while he watched the grand final
replay.
“I had to tell a couple of callers to ring back after the game because I was watching the footy. I hope I didn’t sound too rude!”
Pat is so mad Collingwood that even his miniature foxy, Marnie, is black and white.
“I told myself “Be humble, Pat” as I didn’t want to gloat but I am so pleased with their win.”
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