sidelined

After 25 rounds of footy and 3 weeks of the finals, it comes down to Melbourne and Manly. And given that they finished first and second on the table respectively, justifiably it is the two best teams fighting it out.

But unless you are from Melbourne or the Penninsula, you are going to have a little bit of trouble finding an allegiance. But after a week of soul searching, I have made my choice. So, who will I be going for?…

Manly. Yep, it is a hard decision for a true blue and gold Eels fan but the alternative is worse. There is an arrogance about the Storm that just rubs me the wrong way. A few months ago the Storm played the Tigers. During the game, a few Tigers players were sledging Matt King about not having a premiership win. King responded that he would have one this year. Confidence is a good attribute but this got under my skin. That, and the loss of the Storm last week, pushed me into the anyone but Melbourne camp.

Also, Nathan Hindmarsh put his support behind the Eagles during the week saying they are “good blokes.” We all know that Hindy is a person of integrity and a dead set champion. So on his personal recommendations go the Sea Beagles.

Also, you gotta like Steve Menzies. The Beaver is knockabout chap and one of the game’s greats. He is the one player in the Manly side which I wish played for the Eels (and in 2001 he almost did).

Finally, Manly are still at good odds. I got $2.75 for my grand final tenner which is a great price.

The game will be a beauty. But the Eels did Manly a big favour and gave the Storm a battering. In contrast, the Cowboys really didn’t do much at all and Manly coasted home.

The duel between Cameron Smith and Micheal Monaghan will be the one to watch. Smith’s importance to the Storm is well documented but Monaghan is vital to Manly’s chances.

But Manly to win. The Storm to choke.

Parra are contesting both the Jersey Flegg and Premier League grand finals. So I can still say “Go the Eels!” Next year, hopefully it will be in the main game.