Mitch Morton Understands

[Ruck'n'Roll]

It wasn't as catchy as Brett Kirk's "This is for the Bloods" pronouncement after the 2005 grandfinal. But I think Mitch Morton's heartfelt answer to Matthew Richardson after yesterdays grand final said just as much.
Richo asked "They made you work hard, kicked nearly 80 goals in the 2's, came into the team late in the year. What was it they wanted from you?"
Morton's reply "Halfway through the year I was very close, but I'll be honest, the players didn't trust me, I had stuff to work on. From that moment on, when I found that, I just gave my heart and soul to this club."
Morton came to the Swans with a history of poor attitude and descipline, of relying on talent. It seems that attitude survived for half a season but that he finally came to understand the uncompromising nature of the Swans culture.
Congratulations

[swansprincess]

The luckiest man counts his blessings

[PerthSwannie]

You know, it`s funny. When you watch Morton's 2 snap goals you can almost see him looking to share the spoils of a goal with his team mates(which is his new Bloods culture) but then you see Goodsie looking at him and just pointing towards the goals and virtually saying " this is your`s mate, kick it for the team".

Spine tingling stuff............

[Primmy]

Both ugg and I can attest to the fact that we had spotted a change in ressies. I am fairly sure if we went back through the ressie watcher posts I had a bit of an "I don't know about this guy, not a team player" post. And about half way through the season I am sure I/we noted a change.

A) We Ressie Watchers Rock!
B) And that, ladies and gentleman, is what a bloke can do when given a boot up the bum and he is smart enough to work for it.
C) Respect is earned, not given.

Respect Mitch.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

But Ando from Game Day Doesn't

Ando admits "I just don't understand the Swans culture. I wish I did."

That's because like the majority of the melbourne media and clubs they worship appearance rather than substance. They gush over teams loaded with high draft choices and All Australians yet seem unable to grasp the simple fact that it's better to be a champion team, than a team of champions.

[dimelb]

Mitch is a significant addition to the team, and his recognition of what the culture requires will, I suspect, already be changing his life, not just his football. He seems a natural kick and I love watching him do it, but he has become a committed, even ferocious tackler and I love that every bit as much.

[Cpt. Kirk]

I think the goals were great but there was a moment in the game when he marked it near the half back line and he completely screwed his kick, he then followed it up and made a really good tackle, that is when i knew he had changed fully and became a earned swan and premiership player.

[wolftone57]

Mitch is a significant addition to the team, and his recognition of what the culture requires will, I suspect, already be changing his life, not just his football. He seems a natural kick and I love watching him do it, but he has become a committed, even ferocious tackler and I love that every bit as much.

Yes I agree. I watched him change in the mid year. He was a little selfish to start with and didn't work hard enough off the ball, chacing and tackling. But as the season progressed he changed all that and he was still able to produce on the scoreboard. His two goals were great but his taking on two Hawks in the last was a telling moment in the Granny! His tackling in the last was also telling allowing a spill that eventuated in a goal.

[ScottH]

I think the goals were great but there was a moment in the game when he marked it near the half back line and he completely screwed his kick, he then followed it up and made a really good tackle, that is when i knew he had changed fully and became a earned swan and premiership player.

Yep, remember that. Would have made his team mates proud to know he fixed his screw up.

[Gary]

Morton

I'm glad I caught that interview...took something to say what he said.
He is certainly putting in but a couple of lazy kicks (He fixed one up) could have been costly...could say that about a lot I suppose, but when your a 10/12 possession man they were perhaps a remnant of the "old Morton" who now threatens to fit really well for a few years.

[aardvark]

That interview was one of my GF highlights. Well done Mitch.

[RogueSwan]

Mitch Morton Understands

That interview was one of my GF highlights. Well done Mitch.

Agreed. It was refreshing to hear such honesty.

[Foreign Legion]

Agree with all the above - that interview was so honest. It is a bloody good sign that he was prepared to publicly say what he did.

It's funny, both times he got the ball within 25 of goal I shouted to my wife "He'll kick this"

I just knew his form and he did EXACTLY what he was picked for. I hope (and think) we might have a bloke who can kick 40ish goals next year.

[Legs Akimbo]

Agreed. It was refreshing to hear such honesty.

Interestingly, there was an interview with Kennedy this morning and the interviewer related Mitch's story about mid season being told the players did not trust him. Kennedy looked nonplussed for a few seconds and then replied 'well he had my trust'.

It's a great story, but I suspect Mitch is milking it a bit. Either way, he was brilliant yesterday and I love his work.

[Woodie]

Good to see Mitch has turned the corner, he had a good game yesterday and deserved his spot in the team.

He's the sort of player we need up forward, knows where the goals are, good crumier, & has got his defencive game on the right track.

Go Bloods