my favourite O Loughlin moment

[Jeffers1984]

Went down to Melbourne for the Swans Vs Essendon match in 05. We hadn't beaten the Dons in Melbourne in yonks and in the last quarter Mickey O weaved his magic with a Banana kick from 50 that fell short and looked like it was heading for a point however the ball took a massive off break as it bounced and went through for a timely goal.

That was just some ridiculous skill. "Magic" as you would say.

[573v30]

It's very hard to beat that goal against the Eagles in the 2006 Qualifying Final.

[Xie Shan]

Game in 2003 against the Eagles at the SCG. Second game I ever went to. Cox was just starting his career in the ruck, the Eagles' midfield was just starting to emerge as one of the best in the league. Swans' bandwagon was in full swing with 30,000+ on a sunny Sunday. He kicked 6 playing at full-forward and I think all of them were crumbed goals or kicked on the run. Freakish talent.

I missed this game in 2005 but his 5-goal effort against an up-and-coming Bulldogs side at the SCG - their first outing against us under Rodney Eade - was also vintage stuff!

And, just to bring up RWO's favourite son (hehe), the bear-hug he gave Nick Davis after THAT goal against Geelong was one of the memorable images of the finals.

[31 hard at it]

Very many Magic moments.
I am sure it was Micky who picked up and kicked a goal from the 50 at Docklands in mid 05 against the Saints .... The "they will never play finals football match" The movement was Magic and I turned to my Dad (Watching the Swans since 1934) and said that made sitting here worth the trip !
The 05 Grand Final was a marking showpiece ... not the kicking.

May he have many happy memories, good health and long life.... we are forever in his debt as a key player in a Premiership year.

[Xie Shan]

I know this could be counted as a cringe moment - but I loved him at Full Forward in the final quarter of the 2005 GF. He was such a fantastic leading target and marked everything that came his way. His kicking was another story....

Can't believe no-one's mentioned Chick doing a handstand on the mark!

[Cheer Squad]

Went down to Melbourne for the Swans Vs Essendon match in 05. We hadn't beaten the Dons in Melbourne in yonks and in the last quarter Mickey O weaved his magic with a Banana kick from 50 that fell short and looked like it was heading for a point however the ball took a massive off break as it bounced and went through for a timely goal.

That was just some ridiculous skill. "Magic" as you would say.

Yeah, I was there, I had a perfect view of that goal. Brilliant.

[Doctor J.]

So many memories its hard to pick one.

His last quarter in the 2005 Prelim, I guess sticks out.

I will miss Micky O. He is one of the few AFL footballers who I can honestly say I go to the footy just to watch them. Have always loved watching him play.

Thanks for the memories Mick. So glad I saw you play. The bonus was you wore a red & white jumper.

[goswannie14]

It's hard to go past the his "hungry jack" moment at Subi.
He could have three defenders, his pants around his ankles and he could still managed to the handball or the kick away for a goal.
His goal assists are as memorable as his goals. So passionate as well.

Went down to Melbourne for the Swans Vs Essendon match in 05. We hadn't beaten the Dons in Melbourne in yonks and in the last quarter Mickey O weaved his magic with a Banana kick from 50 that fell short and looked like it was heading for a point however the ball took a massive off break as it bounced and went through for a timely goal.

That was just some ridiculous skill. "Magic" as you would say.

These are the two that immediately come to mind.

[dimelb]

Definitely the Subi rev-up.
But there were so many others. I particularly liked his lightning pounce in the final against the Saints in '05.

[Goal Sneak]

My avatar picture. The length of the field sequence which led to the goal was brilliant. I though it was perfect that Mickey O was at the end of it to put it through. Didn't think it could get better but then he just topped it off by scaring the crap out of that Eagles fan who was obviously giving it to him for much of the game.

[snajik]

The 98 Qualifying Final at a very wet SCG. The Swans were up by 2 very late in the game. St Kilda pumped the ball forward where Winmar was waiting alone in the goal square. He collected the ball and turned to slot the goal when suddenly Micky O appeared from nowhere to lay a copybook match-saving tackle. The Swans hung on to win.

We also bumped into him, Monty and Benny Mathews at an autograph signing down at Penrith a couple of years back and Mick took a real shine to my then one-year-old and spent a considerable period of time entertaining him. Got some great photos. He really is a lovely fellow not to mention extremely talented. At his peak he was footballing genius and a real joy to watch.

[Big Al]

Every time the ball would go to ground and Micky would put on those moves that would make even good defenders look second rate.

Just a wonderful player to watch. I've been absolutely blessed to have watched legends like Kelly, Lockett and Magic play for the Swans.

Magic, you will be missed.

[AnnieH]

Every moment is a Magic moment.

Absolute favourite was sticking it up the fat budgie criminal supporter. It will forever make me laugh.

I've had the pleasure of meeting Mick a few times over the years ... always has time for a hug. You've gotta love that.

Mick, your mum has so much to be proud of. We all do.

[BSA5]

This isn't a moment (or rather, it is a countless number of moments), but for me, Micky O'Loughlin's essence is captured in one sequence: ball coming to a one-on-one contest between Magic and his opponent, Magic leading out (but not a particularly strong lead, just moving forward). Micky suddenly stops on a 5 cent piece, his opponent goes past him, Micky gives him a further nudge under the ball, and the ball flies over their heads, either into Magic's outstretched arms, or into the turf where it bounces up for Magic to run onto while his opponent is still wondering where the ball went.

Michael O'Loughlin is without a doubt the smartest user of the body I've ever seen. He's far from the strongest key forward in the game, he isn't fantastic overhead (like a Brown, Riewoldt, Anthony or O'Keefe), but his use of the body is absolutely second to none, which is why he can play key forward with a flanker/midfielder's body. The only player I've seen come close to him in this respect is Steve Johnson. Lately, Johnson has developed into a more complete, and overall better, player than Magic, but Micky O still has him, and everybody else, covered in this respect.

Farewell to a champion Swan. Next year will be the first year I've ever watched the Swans without him on our list.

[giant]

Is the intention of this thread to draw sanecow out of the woodwork?