Great season.
I got to spend quality time with my 3 year old son who is now a RL obsessive thanks to the footy cards in the Daily Telegraph. He knows the words to Glory, Glory South Sydney. He pestered me to go all the way up to the Manly game in wet and wind. He spends half his day hugging a Souths footy and asking to talk about the games we've seen all year. Adores Matt King, Nathan Merritt and Andrew Everingham.
And he doesn't care (yet) about results, just loves going to the footy.
He has made me a better man.
Quote of the year : Have Souths always won dad? {{ FMD I laughed long and hard, as did my father-in-law - a Souths convert and member now}}.
For mine:
Nathan Merritt 200 games.
Andrew Everingham - the fairy tale from outta no-where player.
Few injuries, 16 wins and 8 losses - with a couple of those losses genuine tight games - Cronulla, the Perth Brisbane game, Melbourne in patches and Roosters.
A coach who speaks well, has a clear directive and players reading from the same song sheet.
And finally, in 2009, Saints topped the table and went out in straight sets. Then won it in 2010. And Melbourne Storm, despite what people say, have built their side and spent 2003-2005 growing and making Top 8. Then had 4 successive Grand Finals - missed 2010 when busted, bounced back in 2011 and in the GF again in 2012. The Dogs always bounce back, and again in another GF. Souths should aspire to build on this season, build on a winning culture and have a tilt for a title or two or three...
Anyway...it's always a ride with Souths. 2012 was a f***ing great ride. See you next year!