'Be wary of the side that has no chance, for they have everything to play for'.
As the holiday season is upon us, it seems appropriate to take a seat at the FourFourTwo dinner table and give thanks for the extraordinary events at Hindmarsh stadium last Friday night:
The Feat of Strength:
Adelaide's impressive run of seven consecutive wins at Hindmarsh did not bode well for us heading into this contest; in fact, almost every statistic favoured the Reds due to their successful season.
It looked business as usual when Sergio van Dijk powered a brilliant header past a flat footed Clint Bolton; the bottom-right corner of the yellow net rippling with applause.
The playmaking skills of Marcos Flores to squeeze an immaculately placed ball to Travis Dodd, who then swung an inviting cross to a predatory van Dijk was yet another example of this machine's ability to churn out attractive (and effective) football.
Once again, it appeared we'd be outplayed by a side that was more creative, showed more off the ball movement and was more determined for the points.
Our first-half chances highlighted our recent struggle to convert, most ending up well over the bar or safely into Galekovic's UFC-trained gloves.
An extremely disappointing run of results looked set to continue, the compounding frustration was set to explode after a seven-game winless streak!
The Festivus Miracle:
All we needed was that little bit of magic, that inspirational moment to rally the troops and steady the Schip; enter club captain Simon Colosimo.
Josip Skoko's second half introduction injected some much needed creativity and his lofted corner in the 89th-minute provided an enticing ball, Simon Colosimo rising quickest to meet it and flicking it past his two oppressing defenders and a furious Adelaide custodian.
His first goal for the club coming at a vital moment in the season and providing that crucial momentum swing!
Skoko's inspiring performance was capped off when his superb first touch and throughball on the edge of the box allowed Wayne Srhoj to dribble through the penalty area and assist Aloisi to swerve a well-placed shot past a hapless Galekovic with the outside of his foot.
A remarkably fortunate victory against a Premier's Plate contender made for an early present this holiday season! Well done to the players for refusing to lie down and fighting until the final whistle; grinding out a memorable result.
The Airing of Grievances:
Limited opportunities to witness the 'Worm' celebration.
Josip Skoko's one-year contract.
Matt Thompson being deployed in defence.
Kamal Ibrahim and 'overlooked' or 'bench' in the same sentence.
It would also be nice to walk along Swan Street pre-match without drawing comparisons to Heart mascot Ticker.
Happy holidays!
'As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way.'
