Something that happens from time to time which annoys me...

[Timbo]

From time to time, when a team is up on the board and scores after the final hooter has sounded and ESPECIALLY in a close game, the clubs first choice goalkicker will often opt to give the final crack at goal to a younger player.

This is all well and good, but...

For and against has never been more important in the competition than it is now. We've had places on the ladder decided in recent years by single points (for example, the difference in 2008 between 6th and 7th was 2 for and against points!).

Tonight in the Raiders game, Terry Campese gave the final shot at goal to Jarrad Croker (who would not even be our regular reserve kicker, that would be Josh Dugan), a shot which was most definitely not the most difficult of the night. Croker missed.

I guess what gets me is, if at the end of the season if we miss the finals by a single for and against point, will Campese remember this decision? I mean it's unlikely to happen, highly unlikely, but still.

 

[Charlie124]

I see where youre coming from but if that situation comes to pass do you think Dugan will look back at that one missed tackle of his that lead to a try? i doubt it. In fact if it came down to 2 points F/A points you could point the finger at every single player who missed a tackle during any game of the season which lead to a try.

 

[mxlegend99]

While it's EXTREMELY unlikely, it could pay off for the Raiders (or another team doing something similar) in the long run. If he ever has to take over kicking duties in a game for some reason, he atleast has some experience and a better idea at what sort of pressure to expect. If it happens and those 2 points are necessary to win the game, this attempt might make him focus that bit harder or take a bit of pressure off him to the point of converting the goal and winning the game.

At the end of the day the Raiders got the 2 points that actually matter, so I doubt any of the players will look back to this game if F/A costs them at the end of the season. More likely it will be a game where you guys lose by 2 or 4 points and you had a try disallowed or missed a few goals etc.

 

[Jatz Crackers]

Its a crisis.

 

[Fui!!!]

I remember Tahu missed his shot in his last home game at Parra. And I think his last game at Newcastle hit the post and went in from right in front. Maybe his next last home game, he will actually get it.

 

[MightyBronco]

I was sitting beside a guy who had a bunch of money riding on the raiders to win by 10. He was a little cranky croker took the kick and missed.

 

[Big Pete]

You could always pull a Corey Parker and refuse to take the kick altogether like he did in the prelim last year.

 

[fowlster]

So, Campese was in your fantasy team eh ?

 

[Eels Dude]

I remember Tahu missed his shot in his last home game at Parra. And I think his last game at Newcastle hit the post and went in from right in front. Maybe his next last home game, he will actually get it.

We had about 4 or 5 players have shots at goal that game. I was disappointed because we failed to put 70 on Brisbane because of it.