Power’s dream over

By Justin Robertson
THE fairytale is over.
Gippsland Power were simply no match for a dominant Calder Cannons’ midfield, consisting of Mitch Wallis (best on ground) and Thomas Liberatore, sons of former AFL players, and were thumped in their TAC grand final by 58 points at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The Power built up momentum toward the grand final, winning their past two finals in unexpected come-from-behind thrillers.
It surprised most to even see them take the field on Sunday, considering their horrid start to the year: losing six from their first seven games. They kept surprising Power coach Damian Carroll, but their dream run came to a shattering halt on the weekend.
“We have no regrets, we turned around a season that was going down the gurgler,” a calm Carroll said.
“There has been so much improvement throughout this season and I’m really proud of you all.”
With heads slumped, Carroll addressed the players and paid tribute to the coaching staff, managers and medical team.
“It’s just a wonderful group we have here and thanks for providing us with some great memories and we look well set for next year,” he said. “Keep your heads up, stick together and I’m proud of us for achieving what we have this year.”
Gippsland bolted out of the blocks and got off to a dream start, kicking a goal within the first 25 seconds through power forward Shaun Marusic. Calder managed the next three on the back of some efficient kicking by Mitchell as it enjoyed a 10 minute period of control.
A freakish kick by Marusic saw the ball dribble along the ground from the pocket, then bounce over a host of players into the goalsquare for a goal that got them back within five points. But it was Calder who steadied and took a 19 point lead into the first break.
The Power clawed their way back midway through the second quarter, kicking 3.3 to 1.2 to be within a kick of Calder.Michael Ross, Tom Bugg and Clay Smith were driving forces from half back and were involved in some crucial passages of play which resulted in goals. But just when Gippsland thought they had found themselves back in the match, Calder banged home three goals to lead by 27 points at half time – two goals coming in the final minute before the break and one from an errant kick out at full back.
“Those two goals before halftime really hurt us and the boys were down a bit on confidence after that,” Carroll said.
It was the third quarter where Calder galloped away, booting 7.4 to 2.1 to set up a 60 point lead by three quarter time. A spirited effort by the Power in the last term saw it outscore the Cannons 1.5 to 1.3, but it wasn’t enough.
Carroll said there is a lot to look forward to with more than 10 players returning for another crack with the Power next season, but he urged his troops to soak up the what they had accomplished this year.
“The boys fought hard in the last quarter, which was really pleasing, but I’m really disappointed, they didn’t play their best footy today,” Carroll said.
“Having said that, I’m really proud of what they achieved this year. I’m sure they’ll have plenty of time to reflect on their efforts.”