2003 Grand Final Report
A lot of Guts but no Glory
What a year. More Canadians playing for the Cougars than ever before, the kids footy exploding to humongous numbers, the Cougars narrowly losing to the US Champs in the match of the year, the road trip to Calgary – we had it all. Could the year be topped of with a 3rd NWPAFL title (in-a-row)?!!
As always, the hype leading up to the Grand Final was monumentus. With Thunderbird Stadium booked again, the boys were pumped for a huge day. It was an emotional week for the SuperCoach as he put his charges through two high intensity trainings in the lead up to the big game. Stu’s emotions spilled over on Monday as he thanked the boys for a great year and stated that it would be his 2nd last as coach for quite a while. On Thursday, he again thanked the boys for a great year and stated that it would be his last as a coach for quite a while (he later thank the boys again on Saturday stating it would be his last game as a coach for quite a while).
After resounding home victory’s the last two times these teams have met, the Cougars were hungry to polish off the Grizzlies to maintain their perfect Grand Final record.
However, as the game day record stated - the 2003 season had been anything but one sided. Both teams had sterling victories away from home against the other during the early part of the year and Vancouver was holding a slight 3-2 lead in the head-to-head games during the year.
Thunderbird Stadium held good fortune for both sides. Vancouver went into the game off a solid 20 point victory against Seattle in the recent Canadian Invitational, whilst many Seattle (and Vancouver) players will still remember the 57 point schlacking handed out to the Cougars in August of 2002.
So what would be the outcome….time as always would tell.
Pre-Game
What would such a day be without a bit of drama? After withdrawing his pending lawsuit against the club and being welcomed back with open arms, Handyman Hilton assured the boys there would be no dramas regarding the delivery of the goalposts and other hardware, and that they would reach the ground with plenty of time.
To ensure everything was right, the Handyman even packed his truck up a day early. He was also motivated by wife Kim who had instructed him to get it all out of the way so they could have a nice romantic wedding anniversary dinner on match eve. Unfortunately, midway through the first bottle of vino, it suddenly dawned on Hilton that the trophy (to be presented by Vancouver Lord Mayor Larry Campbell), was in fact still sitting in a Langley Trophy Store. After the obligatory 10 minutes of panic, and flashes of being lynched by the Cougars committee, Col calmed down enough to pull out the phone book and make some desperate phone calls around Langley. Thankfully, around 11p.m, after a ruined dinner and a lot of heartache, Col eventually managed to locate the owner’s and arrange to pick up the trophy early the next morning. With the news, a joyous Hilton was able to get a good’s night sleep despite being informed he’d be doing it from the family couch.
As game time approached, the crowd was reaching formidable numbers. With only half an hour before the game, an as always generous SuperCoach Grills granted Seattle’s request for additional players to help their depleted numbers (despite bringing up 18 players). Asking purely for volunteers, Mugsy, Stevie Yates, Derek and Campo headed the call and made the hard decision to play for Seattle. Once again, the SuperCoach should be applauded for making such a tough decision to support the good of the game (especially with the players provided), one that is too often not reciprocated by Seattle in similar situations.
Still, with a playing list of 26 players, there was plenty of Cougar talent on offer to retain their premiership title. As the players left the change room, the Cougar banner was raised with the inspirational words…
Courage & Guts,
We Don't Lack,
Watch The Cougars Go
Back 2 Back 2 Back
In a “what-the?!” event during the pre-game warm up, Mark Wilkie managed to cop a footy directly on the finger which lead to an unfortunate trip straight to the hospital to fix his now dislocated finger. Still, the player kept their focus and warmed up with the game firmly in mind.
Before the first bounce, the club managed to once again secure the services of Melissa to belt out rousing additions of the Australian, US and Canadian national anthems. The crowd and players were brought to fever pitch, and to no-one’s surprise, with Happy losing seemingly his 10th coin toss in a row ….it was time for the game.
Quarter 1
From the start, it quickly became obvious that Seattle had done their homework on the Cougars with coach Donlen throwing the surprise move of lining up the dangerous Justin Chevlen at Full Forward. He also took full advantage of using Cougar Mugsy in the centre and the results were devastating. Before they knew it, the Cougars were down 4 goals to zip, with Chevlan claiming 3 of them. The Seattle boys had come to play.
Super Coach Grills reacted quickly making a number of key moves to stem the flow of goals and turn the game back to the Cougars favour. Throwing himself and the Handyman in the centre, the Cougars started to assert some control through the centre. Colin Special K kicked a magnificent running goal to post the Cougars first and Randy Dickin slotted another to get the Cougars back on target. Edgar, Chops and Happy were starting to send the ball long into the forward line. At one stage a forward thrust set up the Glamourboy to launch himself skywards for a crack at mark of the year. Unfortunately, like Utting a few weeks early (and despite the ohh’s and arhh’s from the crowd), he just couldn’t keep a hold of the pill as he headed back to earth. Still, the momentum remained and a nice Fists pass shortly after lead to Vargo slotting one through late in the quarter.
Still, Seattle remained strong and kept the flow of goals coming. At quarter time, it was a shell shocked Cougars who assembled for the quarter time break.
Q1 Cougars 3.1.19 to Seattle 8.2.50
Quarter 2
After some inspiration words from the SuperCoach, the Cougars headed out to the field determined to stem the onslaught. Within the first two minutes, the ball was sent long and a nice grab lead to the Glamour Boy slotting another for the Cougars. However, during the passage of play, Cougars dangerous ruckmen Fists Thornton suffered a leg injury reducing his leaping ability. The ever tactical SuperCoach immediately thrust the Glamourboy in the ruck; a move that paid off instantaneously. After a solid smack out of the ruck, Grills swooped on the ball, bombed it long and planted one on Fists chest. The Cougars had another goal. A minute later, Vargo won the tap, which was scooped up by Happy. Under pressure, Happy delivered a sublime handball back to the running Vargo who shrugged and tackle and snagged a booming 50m goal on the run!! The Cougars had suddenly slotted 3 in 3 minutes.
The mood was contagious amongst the players and with the crowd going berserk, the whole team was lifting. Seattle tried to get the ball back in their attacking zone, but the Cougars defence was turning up the heat. Terrier Horychun shut down the dangerous Chevlen, whilst Cam Mitchell, Hoad, Mark of Cain, Locks Paquin, Coops and The Guru were blanketing their opponents and throwing their bodies on any loose balls in the Seattle forward line.
Keeping his players fresh, Cougars were piling off the bench and getting straight in amongst it. Ice Block was thrust onto the wing and was proving very dangerous around the Cougars forward 50. With yet another miracle snap from Goal sneak Stratford and another goal from Vargo and Fists, the Cougars had HIT THE FRONT. It was time for now desperate Seattle to lift. In the end, they slotted two late majors to put their noses in front at half time.
Cougars 9.4.58 to Seattle 11.2.68
Quarter Three
It was time for the Premiership quarter. SuperCoach Grills called for all players to give all they had to give, and that they gave. Both teams would not give an inch, and the free flowing, goal scoring game of the first half turned into a war of attrition. The Glamourboy, Happy and Ice Block were having season best games across the centre as they tried to send the ball into attack. Wolverine Utting was sent to full forward and put his body on the line to try and put the ball on the ground for the Cougars rovers to swoop on. Morgs seemed to have shrugged off his knee injury troubles as he continued to fight hard for the ball in the back line. Coops as always was providing tremendous leadership in the back line as he swooped back time and again to prevent an easy Seattle scoring opportunity. His play was inspiration for his young Canadian charges as Cam, Robertson, The Rock and Paquin refused to give their opponents an easy time of it. Despite Freeman and Grills goals, the Cougars could just not get the better of Seattle. At 3-quarter time it was -
Q3 Cougars 11.4.70 to Seattle 13.2.80
Quarter 4
So it was onto the last. It’s fair to say both teams looked buggered, yet neither was willing to budge. The Cougars desperate to claw back for the win, Seattle desperate to hold on.
Each Seattle goal was matched with a Cougars one. Despite his soreness, Fists was proving a tough man to beat at Full Forward and slotted another one to add to those of Happy and Stu. Still, neither side could get a run on to seal the deal. The influence of two Rob’s kept things tight in the back line, whilst the Wiz, Palmer and Taylor put their hands up and their bodies in to show they weren’t giving up either and would help take the game to the wire. As always, Shiner was giving it everything to the end and last gamers Chops and McFarlane were not going out without contributing their last ounce of strength.
However, the siren just came to quick. A joyous Seattle celebrated as they deservingly had played a great game to win their first NWPAFL premiership.
Q4 Cougars 14.7.91 to Seattle 16.6.102
Goal Kickers –
Glamour Boy (4), Fists (3), SuperCoach (2), Happy (2), Goal sneak (1), Special K (1), Randy (1).
Vancouver Best from -
Glamour Boy, Happy, Punter Mitchell, Ice Block, Johnny Hoad, Coops, Special K, COBS.
Seattle Best: – Mugsy (…the bugger).
After match
The players remained on field for the presentation of the Premiership Cup. After a few choice words, Happy caused a stir (and made it clear who had voted for) when he all but ignored special guest Lord Mayor Larry Campbell to pass the trophy to Seattle captain Justin Chevlan. Much to the bemusement of the crowd, Larry was equal to the task and managed to snatch the trophy from Chris so he could deliver a superb thank-you to both teams, the crowd and the spectacle itself.
…and so it was a jubilant Seattle and a somber Cougars that headed back to the change room before heading up to the clubrooms for a couple of hours of post match bevies. An emotional Cougar’s coach Grills was proud of his charges knowing they had given it there all. COBS committed his name to legend when he pulled out a secret stash of two bubbers for the boys to drown their sorrows in, and it wasn’t long before the mood picked up again.
Even further after match
With the obligatory ice bath dished out to Cougars SuperCoach Grills (to which he thanked the boys and commented that it would be his last Ice-bath for quite some time), an increasingly jubilant Cougars headed off to Jeremiah’s for more and more post match bevies.
The night quickly turned into a superb warm up for the Post season footy trip which is DEFINITELY happening (see the website for all the details) and showed that despite not winning the cup, there is still a tremendous mateship and commradery amongst all Cougar players.
As the boys began to file out of Jeremiah’s after many a bevvie, the last word to the SuperCoach, who once again thanked the boys for a great season and stated that it would unfortunately be his last post game pissup for quite some time…
Thanks
As always, it takes a lot of people to put together such a magnificent game.
Thanks to –
• The Cougars committee for all their hard work throughout the year;
• Annalise and Dr.Khan for their Umpiring;
• All Cougar players who sacrificed playing time to help boundary/goal umpire;
• Slim for his tireless running;
• The boys for volunteering to play for Seattle;
• All the girls for their support and their Pie/Raffle selling; and
• to all the wives/girlfriends and supporters who made the trip to see a sensational Cougars victory.
What a year. More Canadians playing for the Cougars than ever before, the kids footy exploding to humongous numbers, the Cougars narrowly losing to the US Champs in the match of the year, the road trip to Calgary – we had it all. Could the year be topped of with a 3rd NWPAFL title (in-a-row)?!!
As always, the hype leading up to the Grand Final was monumentus. With Thunderbird Stadium booked again, the boys were pumped for a huge day. It was an emotional week for the SuperCoach as he put his charges through two high intensity trainings in the lead up to the big game. Stu’s emotions spilled over on Monday as he thanked the boys for a great year and stated that it would be his 2nd last as coach for quite a while. On Thursday, he again thanked the boys for a great year and stated that it would be his last as a coach for quite a while (he later thank the boys again on Saturday stating it would be his last game as a coach for quite a while).
After resounding home victory’s the last two times these teams have met, the Cougars were hungry to polish off the Grizzlies to maintain their perfect Grand Final record.
However, as the game day record stated - the 2003 season had been anything but one sided. Both teams had sterling victories away from home against the other during the early part of the year and Vancouver was holding a slight 3-2 lead in the head-to-head games during the year.
Thunderbird Stadium held good fortune for both sides. Vancouver went into the game off a solid 20 point victory against Seattle in the recent Canadian Invitational, whilst many Seattle (and Vancouver) players will still remember the 57 point schlacking handed out to the Cougars in August of 2002.
So what would be the outcome….time as always would tell.
Pre-Game
What would such a day be without a bit of drama? After withdrawing his pending lawsuit against the club and being welcomed back with open arms, Handyman Hilton assured the boys there would be no dramas regarding the delivery of the goalposts and other hardware, and that they would reach the ground with plenty of time.
To ensure everything was right, the Handyman even packed his truck up a day early. He was also motivated by wife Kim who had instructed him to get it all out of the way so they could have a nice romantic wedding anniversary dinner on match eve. Unfortunately, midway through the first bottle of vino, it suddenly dawned on Hilton that the trophy (to be presented by Vancouver Lord Mayor Larry Campbell), was in fact still sitting in a Langley Trophy Store. After the obligatory 10 minutes of panic, and flashes of being lynched by the Cougars committee, Col calmed down enough to pull out the phone book and make some desperate phone calls around Langley. Thankfully, around 11p.m, after a ruined dinner and a lot of heartache, Col eventually managed to locate the owner’s and arrange to pick up the trophy early the next morning. With the news, a joyous Hilton was able to get a good’s night sleep despite being informed he’d be doing it from the family couch.
As game time approached, the crowd was reaching formidable numbers. With only half an hour before the game, an as always generous SuperCoach Grills granted Seattle’s request for additional players to help their depleted numbers (despite bringing up 18 players). Asking purely for volunteers, Mugsy, Stevie Yates, Derek and Campo headed the call and made the hard decision to play for Seattle. Once again, the SuperCoach should be applauded for making such a tough decision to support the good of the game (especially with the players provided), one that is too often not reciprocated by Seattle in similar situations.
Still, with a playing list of 26 players, there was plenty of Cougar talent on offer to retain their premiership title. As the players left the change room, the Cougar banner was raised with the inspirational words…
Courage & Guts,
We Don't Lack,
Watch The Cougars Go
Back 2 Back 2 Back
In a “what-the?!” event during the pre-game warm up, Mark Wilkie managed to cop a footy directly on the finger which lead to an unfortunate trip straight to the hospital to fix his now dislocated finger. Still, the player kept their focus and warmed up with the game firmly in mind.
Before the first bounce, the club managed to once again secure the services of Melissa to belt out rousing additions of the Australian, US and Canadian national anthems. The crowd and players were brought to fever pitch, and to no-one’s surprise, with Happy losing seemingly his 10th coin toss in a row ….it was time for the game.
Quarter 1
From the start, it quickly became obvious that Seattle had done their homework on the Cougars with coach Donlen throwing the surprise move of lining up the dangerous Justin Chevlen at Full Forward. He also took full advantage of using Cougar Mugsy in the centre and the results were devastating. Before they knew it, the Cougars were down 4 goals to zip, with Chevlan claiming 3 of them. The Seattle boys had come to play.
Super Coach Grills reacted quickly making a number of key moves to stem the flow of goals and turn the game back to the Cougars favour. Throwing himself and the Handyman in the centre, the Cougars started to assert some control through the centre. Colin Special K kicked a magnificent running goal to post the Cougars first and Randy Dickin slotted another to get the Cougars back on target. Edgar, Chops and Happy were starting to send the ball long into the forward line. At one stage a forward thrust set up the Glamourboy to launch himself skywards for a crack at mark of the year. Unfortunately, like Utting a few weeks early (and despite the ohh’s and arhh’s from the crowd), he just couldn’t keep a hold of the pill as he headed back to earth. Still, the momentum remained and a nice Fists pass shortly after lead to Vargo slotting one through late in the quarter.
Still, Seattle remained strong and kept the flow of goals coming. At quarter time, it was a shell shocked Cougars who assembled for the quarter time break.
Q1 Cougars 3.1.19 to Seattle 8.2.50
Quarter 2
After some inspiration words from the SuperCoach, the Cougars headed out to the field determined to stem the onslaught. Within the first two minutes, the ball was sent long and a nice grab lead to the Glamour Boy slotting another for the Cougars. However, during the passage of play, Cougars dangerous ruckmen Fists Thornton suffered a leg injury reducing his leaping ability. The ever tactical SuperCoach immediately thrust the Glamourboy in the ruck; a move that paid off instantaneously. After a solid smack out of the ruck, Grills swooped on the ball, bombed it long and planted one on Fists chest. The Cougars had another goal. A minute later, Vargo won the tap, which was scooped up by Happy. Under pressure, Happy delivered a sublime handball back to the running Vargo who shrugged and tackle and snagged a booming 50m goal on the run!! The Cougars had suddenly slotted 3 in 3 minutes.
The mood was contagious amongst the players and with the crowd going berserk, the whole team was lifting. Seattle tried to get the ball back in their attacking zone, but the Cougars defence was turning up the heat. Terrier Horychun shut down the dangerous Chevlen, whilst Cam Mitchell, Hoad, Mark of Cain, Locks Paquin, Coops and The Guru were blanketing their opponents and throwing their bodies on any loose balls in the Seattle forward line.
Keeping his players fresh, Cougars were piling off the bench and getting straight in amongst it. Ice Block was thrust onto the wing and was proving very dangerous around the Cougars forward 50. With yet another miracle snap from Goal sneak Stratford and another goal from Vargo and Fists, the Cougars had HIT THE FRONT. It was time for now desperate Seattle to lift. In the end, they slotted two late majors to put their noses in front at half time.
Cougars 9.4.58 to Seattle 11.2.68
Quarter Three
It was time for the Premiership quarter. SuperCoach Grills called for all players to give all they had to give, and that they gave. Both teams would not give an inch, and the free flowing, goal scoring game of the first half turned into a war of attrition. The Glamourboy, Happy and Ice Block were having season best games across the centre as they tried to send the ball into attack. Wolverine Utting was sent to full forward and put his body on the line to try and put the ball on the ground for the Cougars rovers to swoop on. Morgs seemed to have shrugged off his knee injury troubles as he continued to fight hard for the ball in the back line. Coops as always was providing tremendous leadership in the back line as he swooped back time and again to prevent an easy Seattle scoring opportunity. His play was inspiration for his young Canadian charges as Cam, Robertson, The Rock and Paquin refused to give their opponents an easy time of it. Despite Freeman and Grills goals, the Cougars could just not get the better of Seattle. At 3-quarter time it was -
Q3 Cougars 11.4.70 to Seattle 13.2.80
Quarter 4
So it was onto the last. It’s fair to say both teams looked buggered, yet neither was willing to budge. The Cougars desperate to claw back for the win, Seattle desperate to hold on.
Each Seattle goal was matched with a Cougars one. Despite his soreness, Fists was proving a tough man to beat at Full Forward and slotted another one to add to those of Happy and Stu. Still, neither side could get a run on to seal the deal. The influence of two Rob’s kept things tight in the back line, whilst the Wiz, Palmer and Taylor put their hands up and their bodies in to show they weren’t giving up either and would help take the game to the wire. As always, Shiner was giving it everything to the end and last gamers Chops and McFarlane were not going out without contributing their last ounce of strength.
However, the siren just came to quick. A joyous Seattle celebrated as they deservingly had played a great game to win their first NWPAFL premiership.
Q4 Cougars 14.7.91 to Seattle 16.6.102
Goal Kickers –
Glamour Boy (4), Fists (3), SuperCoach (2), Happy (2), Goal sneak (1), Special K (1), Randy (1).
Vancouver Best from -
Glamour Boy, Happy, Punter Mitchell, Ice Block, Johnny Hoad, Coops, Special K, COBS.
Seattle Best: – Mugsy (…the bugger).
After match
The players remained on field for the presentation of the Premiership Cup. After a few choice words, Happy caused a stir (and made it clear who had voted for) when he all but ignored special guest Lord Mayor Larry Campbell to pass the trophy to Seattle captain Justin Chevlan. Much to the bemusement of the crowd, Larry was equal to the task and managed to snatch the trophy from Chris so he could deliver a superb thank-you to both teams, the crowd and the spectacle itself.
…and so it was a jubilant Seattle and a somber Cougars that headed back to the change room before heading up to the clubrooms for a couple of hours of post match bevies. An emotional Cougar’s coach Grills was proud of his charges knowing they had given it there all. COBS committed his name to legend when he pulled out a secret stash of two bubbers for the boys to drown their sorrows in, and it wasn’t long before the mood picked up again.
Even further after match
With the obligatory ice bath dished out to Cougars SuperCoach Grills (to which he thanked the boys and commented that it would be his last Ice-bath for quite some time), an increasingly jubilant Cougars headed off to Jeremiah’s for more and more post match bevies.
The night quickly turned into a superb warm up for the Post season footy trip which is DEFINITELY happening (see the website for all the details) and showed that despite not winning the cup, there is still a tremendous mateship and commradery amongst all Cougar players.
As the boys began to file out of Jeremiah’s after many a bevvie, the last word to the SuperCoach, who once again thanked the boys for a great season and stated that it would unfortunately be his last post game pissup for quite some time…
Thanks
As always, it takes a lot of people to put together such a magnificent game.
Thanks to –
• The Cougars committee for all their hard work throughout the year;
• Annalise and Dr.Khan for their Umpiring;
• All Cougar players who sacrificed playing time to help boundary/goal umpire;
• Slim for his tireless running;
• The boys for volunteering to play for Seattle;
• All the girls for their support and their Pie/Raffle selling; and
• to all the wives/girlfriends and supporters who made the trip to see a sensational Cougars victory.
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