Ross plays down loss

By Justin Robertson
GIPPSLAND’S Michael Ross was denied the perfect end to his time at the club.
The third-year half back gun had to overcome a nagging heel injury over pre-season and once he made his return in round eight, Ross became an integral member of their running brigade across the half back line and coach Damian Carroll likened him to a “quarter-back” several times.
Ross, who had an outstanding final series and was Power’s best player in their 58-point grand final loss to Calder Cannons on Sunday, was relatively upbeat about losing the one that counts.
“Yeah, I’m bit disappointed with how we played, but really it’s been a great season,” he said.
“To come back from where we were earlier in the year and to play in a grand final is just an amazing effort by everyone involved.”
Sitting on the Etihad surface watching on as the Cannon players jumped on stage to collect their winning medals and premiership cup, Ross looked on teary-eyed and distant thinking if only that could have been his team up there, it would have been a fitting curtain call on his duration with the Power.
Up until last year, Ross – who hails from Garfield – played all his football with Bunyip football club, but just made the move to Warragul football club this year.
North Melbourne recruit and brother, Ben, played in Gippsland’s 2005 grand final win and the Ross’s join another pair, the Pendlebury’s – Scott and Ryan – who also achieved this feat and are the only two sets of brothers to do so.
Gippsland Power manager, Peter Francis, said Ross would add class, pace and a cool head if selected by an AFL club in this year’s draft.
“Personally, I’d hope he get drafted and to have an AFL career,” he said. “I believe he’s got enough to do that.”