Do we actually want a premiership?

[SXP]

A simple question remains to be answered. Why is Essendon, for example, more respected club (at least by the media) than the Swans. Does that have to do something about a consistent on field performance? Perhaps, but until the Swans reach the same level of respect, the journey will be very unpredictable and less satisfying.
I wonder how the Lions gained their respect and how long it's going to last?

[NMWBloods]

Essendon has respect because it is regularly a challenger for the flag.

Brisbane had no respect until it won in 2001.

[liz]

My analogy of a journey is that it has to be one where you genuinely believe that you are going to get to the destination. Otherwise it becomes aimless, frustrating and ultimately worthless. So it is not an afternoon stroll in the woods where you don't care where you are going and just aim to enjoy the scenery as you go. Rather, it is a trek where you know your destination but don't know exactly how or when you are going to arrive - a bit like mariners setting out to find the great southern land, maybe.

Cliff makes a good point though. When you arrive, straight away you look for the next destination. If the Swans were to win the premiership this year - or in the near future - it would in no way lessen the desire to win it the following year, or the one after that.

Being an Essendon supporter, you know that you (or your club) at least has the right map and a compass that works. You don't know exactly when you'll arrive but you know that you will. Brisbane is like a club that stumbled aimlessly along for many years without a map but then came across a clearly marked path, followed it patiently for a few years until it became a highway.

I'm not sure yet whether the Swans have a map or not. It looked like we did a few years ago, but maybe it was one that was crucially out of date. We hope that Ireland had one tucked in his back pocket when he arrived two years ago, but even if he did, the club knows the marked footpath is somewhere around but it needs just a smidgeon of luck (and at the moment a new first aid kit) if it is to find it.

I'm sure none of that makes much sense, but what the heck

[floppinab]

Interesting thread this one.

Went through something similar with my SANFL team who I've followed since before I can remember.
They had an amazingly successful run during the 60's, won again in '74 (5 years old couldn't remember much) and again in '76 (etched into my brain forever, and still holds the attendance record for Footy Park). At the time it seemed easy we were always in the top 5, part of the 3 or 4 super competitive teams of the era.

Then begins the drought, lost '79 GF by one point, lost again in '83 after dominating the season, then proceeded to collect 7 consecutive wooden spoons and came very very close to folding.

Then comes a slow crawl up the ladder to finally a GF berth in '99 in which we kicked ourselves out of, a slight fall back, change of coach and finally the break through in '02 in a very unexpected victory.
I got to drink out the Thos. Seymour Hill Trophy and spent the whole night comtemplating the journey with people I had known since back in '76.

That night after reaching the destination the journey was definately worth while. Until you get there you won't know how it feels.

I look at the Swans '98 season similarly as the one that got away (and under the current finals system......... who knows), not to mention how that team of the late '80s never won a final.

[liz]

Originally posted by floppinab

I look at the Swans '98 season similarly as the one that got away (and under the current finals system......... who knows), not to mention how that team of the late '80s never won a final.

Yeah, I know "what ifs" are pointless, but the one I can't help thinking about occasionally is "what if" Kelly hadn't done his knee that year.

[NMWBloods]

I like your trekking analogy Liz.

Travelling with the Swans I have experienced being lost frequently, blisters, wild bears, the occasional glorious sunrise, and plenty of poison ivy.

It's as if we gave control of the expediton to Burke & Wills 70 years ago, and while everyone else is using new fangled equipment, we are still relying on the moss on trees. Hopefully someone has invested in a GPS system and learns how to use it in the next few years!!

BTW - the biggest what-ifs for me are the '96 GF - O'Brien not injured in the first minutes, Kelly hits Lockett with the pass, and Kelly kicks the goal on the run from the square.

[Tooth Fairy]

Originally posted by lizz

I'm sure none of that makes much sense, but what the heck

So what you're saying is that all roads lead to Rome?

[Tooth Fairy]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
I like your trekking analogy Liz.

Travelling with the Swans I have experienced being lost frequently, blisters, wild bears, the occasional glorious sunrise, and plenty of poison ivy.

It's as if we gave control of the expediton to Burke & Wills 70 years ago, and while everyone else is using new fangled equipment, we are still relying on the moss on trees. Hopefully someone has invested in a GPS system and learns how to use it in the next few years!!

BTW - the biggest what-ifs for me are the '96 GF - O'Brien not injured in the first minutes, Kelly hits Lockett with the pass, and Kelly kicks the goal on the run from the square.

Thanks for depressing me

[swansrule100]

Originally posted by Bleed Red Blood
Oh dear, wish these two would contribute.

what the hell does that mean??

geez!!! dunno what you want..... and i dont see what great contribution your post made!

[swansrule100]

i just feel as a club theres always a sort of chip on the sholdour .... like they dont see themselves being as good as essendon and carlton and succesful teams of the like. Mediocre (sp) performance are accepted too often

[Go Swannies]

Originally posted by swansrule100
Mediocre (sp) performance are accepted too often

By who?

Bring back the lash, I say.

[swansrule100]

by everyone..players, supporters coaching...

i know personally 1996 for instance was soo wonderful and great..... and it seemed like the team felt that....l (and it was) but there wasnt enough disapointment if that makes sense.... if you read about carlton in 1986 they were angry for losing the grand final and desperate for revenge i feel sometimes that hunger isnt there

perhaps its rubbish just a thought

[Go Swannies]

and bump - this was the one I was looking for.

[S.U.D]

warning warning
.
paradigm shift
.
chips on shoulders could get replaced by tall poppies

[chammond]

Originally posted by Go Swannies
and bump - this was the one I was looking for.

Interesting to hear in the post-GF interviews Roos talking about the importance of enjoying the 'journey'.

I guess it's one of those things you either understand . . . . or you just miss out completely