On reflection this year I've been hoping the will of our players would compensate for clear deficiencies and lackluster performances throughout the year. Above all else I guess I hoped against hope that determination would overpower the inconsistency we seem to exude.
We essentially drew with Collingwood by the imbalance of our grand final experience and catching them off-guard with the spirit and determination of a few, but I couldn't help watching the last few minutes of GF1 thinking how we should have stolen a 1 point win with a grubbed kick to our posts as it was locked in our F50. But in the cold light of day, we really would have done just that - stolen it. The comprehensive ass-whipping we received on Saturday attests to that.
You just get the sense that there is something deeply ingrained in the culture of the St Kilda Football Club that doesn't quite ever believe it's going to be good enough. Even from our inspiring leaders, there's no ownership of the outcome, and it's always tempered by wanting to save face if called to account on their statement of intent.
As much as it s***s you, you have to admire the ruthless focus Collingwood declared on the premiership this year. It's a confidence to back yourself that you'd find quite odd from the Saints I think.
Ever the underdog, burdened by our immensely unsuccessful past - it cut's, doesn't it?
So I pose the question - how could we go about changing our culture? Or will we only ever start this process by exorcising our demons and getting a GF over the line? Or is it simply who we are and there's too much inertia to now change things?
I realised today by getting so involved in the achievement of the ultimate outcome you lose sight of all the good times one has in the journey, and to forget those entirely would be an injustice to enjoying those small moments that are still, ultimately, worthwhile. Not the ecstasy we all hope to feel one day, but nonetheless not without merit.
Cheer up fellow Sainters, if you dare - it may never happen for us, but I've no doubt we can find a way to enjoy the ride regardless. By and large we seem pretty good at that, and while you don't want to hold your hat on being perpetually second rate, it's nice to take a deep breathe and for a moment think of everything that has brought you joy over so many years regardless
