Ball

[Legs Akimbo]

I've now watched the last quarter 23 times and each and every time, Davis' goal in the last 5 seconds gives me goosebumps.

I think King's absence was a big factor in our win. Although Mooney fought desperately at the stoppages, time and again Ball was able to clear the Sherrin by punching it beyond the vicinity of the pack. Ultimately, this is what gave Nicky D the space to get away and kick THAT goal.

We will miss Ball next year. Let's hope Doyle can stay fit and/or Ericcson begins to mature. Maybe the darkhorse is Shaw, who I understand has talent. The reality is the Ball / Jolly combination has worked well and losing it will set us back a bit next year, which will need to be made up for in other ways if we are to have another good season. Hang on, did I say Goodes...

[Rizzo]

Mooney played well in the ruck without the domination that King displayed earlier in the game.

Ball's effort was super.

[liz]

Originally posted by Rizzo
Mooney played well in the ruck without the domination that King displayed earlier in the game.

Ball's effort was super.

Strangely, if you look at the ruck statistics, they don't show a domination to King in the first half, even though he did look to be in control. Jolly and Ball were credited with over 50 HOs between them; King just 8 in barely over a half of footy.

[SimonH]

In all the chaos, it didn't even occur to me until after the final siren that this was the last time Sydney fans will get to see Jason Ball play. When coming around our (Noble) side of the ground to thank the crowd, Nick Davis hung back to allow Jason to wave the fans goodbye, which showed great grace.

The unbelievable Nick Davis will get, and deserves, most of the credit, but the fact that Bally flogged Geelong in the rucks in the last quarter (not to mention that last palm-down) was a huge part of the win.

I know that King being unavailable in the last quarter was the worst thing that could have happened to the Cats (short of Matthew Scarlett getting injured). But you've gotta play the cards you're dealt, and in a game of inches, Jason gaining 20 metres of territory with a number of decisive punches, was a huge contribution. A fitting way for the big fella to go out. He will be missed.

[Sanecow]

Geez, the way he's been playing it's a massive loss that he won't be back next year. I can't see Donkey filling the gap.

[cruiser]

Ball's tap to Davis for the winning goal was pure 100% class.

[Nico]

Did anyone hear a whistle at that last bounce. For mine Ball was clearly held by Playfair at the ruck contest.