Comparison: 1999 v 2010

[ME SO HORNBY!]

I've been really calm all week, trying to stay away from any media. But finally starting to feel the nerves today. But only 24 hours to go.

I was only 10 in 99 when we were last in a grand final. There was a fair bit of buzz around Wollongong back then but nothing compared to this time. The city is covered in red and white. Im talking about cars, businesses, houses... its just nuts.

But anyways, what I wanted to ask was how the older fans who remember 99 a bit better then me are feeling about tomorrow. Are you more confident, less confident or about the same? Is anything different this time round in the way you're feeling this time round?

 

[Willow]

Went into 1999 GF with the same open mind, didn't want to call it. But I was more confident given it was Melb's first GF.

I expect tomorrow to be close. So many talented players on both sides, either team can win it. The only thing that is stopping the nerves is that I keep enjoying ride.

In roughly 24 hours, we'll have a better idea. Ask me again then. ;-)

 

[lombard]

In 1999 I was confident as Melbourne I thought over achieved that year and we had beaten them in Melbourne by a decent margin.
I think Roosters are like Melbourne that year in that they have done well to make it to the GF.

We need to get away to a good start tomorrow as they will play on confidence and we don't want them to be close enough at the end like we did with Melb in 1999.

 

[RedVee]

Quietly confident this year, was not quite as confident in 99.

Glad to hear the Illawarra is on board. If we win this could be the cement the JV needs to keep the Illawarra & Sth Coast fans committed long term.
Lets hope.

 

[j0nesy]

I was very confident in 99 from memory. This time around I would say that I am more cautiously optimistic. For some reason I am nowhere near as nervous as I was leading up to the Tigers game. I'm just going to savour the experience tomorrow and soak it all up, should be a great day.

 

[Minh]

Was very confident 99, but I'm more confident now;-), hindsight is a great thing, tomorrow we have great chance to win which will bring our tally to 16 premierships, 15 as St George and 1 as St George illawarra.

Any chance you have at a grand final must be grabbed with both hands, these Dragons are a superior "team" to 99, I would prefer to take this team and structure into the 2010 GF than the 99 model yes. It will be a hard game but I'm very very confident.

 

[Winmar]

I was fairly confident in 1999, for Melbourne had never beaten us. If it wasn't for that forward pass kick starting their game, they wouldn't have beaten us that day either!

I think we had more of an x factor that year though, with Mundine and Blacklock in the team. Great side to watch. This year we're probably a bit more organised and obviously finished top of the ladder, so have been harder to beat.

The 1999 grand final was a great one to be at, with 107,000 people there. Shame about the result though.

 

[LazyDreamer]

Having suffered through the previous 4 grand final losses, I wasn't watching the 1999 game with a lot of confidence. Refused to join in friends' celebrations at 14-0 halftime.

For this game, have suffered through 5. So am less optimistic. But then I'm a pessimist. So my optimism (or lack thereof) is fairly meaningless!

But one thing I do know is that from the fulltime whistle last Saturday to now, I've had a permanent stiffy. Don't they get painful after a couple of days!

 

[HardcoreDragonsFan]

1999:
We started out badly and then become overconfident as getting into top 6 of 8.
Mundine and Blacklock are only x factors at that year
Melb Storm was cheating

2010:
We played good all entire year with 7 losses
Stronger pack with plenty x factors and superstars
Excellent world class coach
Defence too rock solid!

 

[blacklock]

99 was an amazing year...and 14-0 it seemed like it was party time. If we are ahead 14-0 at half time. I want bennett to play that tape and make sure we dont slack off.

The hard work of beating the tigers is done. The roosters are for dessert.

 

[n r l f a n]

please...just dont lose in the last second or minute...will kill me

 

[Minh]

Fire up boys and girls, In my mind I just want to see them lift that cup/shield.

Go the Mighty Dragons!!!

 

[saintzrule]

Taking my sister to her first GF since71, a daughter to her first GF and a couple of other Dragon tragics. We are all excited and confident! Today a great team from a magnificent club, coached by one of the best ever coaches, who have an ' ARMY' and who also were minor premiers won! Go the pies! Tomorrow , the Dragons! We will colour the ANZ red and white

 

[morris_magic]

the support for the saints has been excellent especially around my area, atleast 1 car with a dragons flag would pass by every like 8 minutes if thats just around bankstown i cant imagine how it would be around kogarah
or wollongong, but anyway hope the boys play well tomorow, its been a magnificant year.
GO YOU MIGHTY SAINTS!

 

[smi962]

In 99, at 14-0 I was still very nervous at half time. Both tries off kicks, and I didn't really feel we were strongly dominating general play. But yes, without the dropped ball over the line, it was going to be hard for Melbourne to come back.

 

[smi962]

If we did get to 14-0 this year, I am likely to be feeling more confident of the win

 

[HardcoreDragonsFan]

Yea its different if we get 14-0 due to Soward kicking game.