I don't believe the hype that journalists make up as they try and fill their columns, but once does get a sense of something from that gaggle that they have picked up on something. It is not what players say, it is about the way they approach a response.
I once penned a thread on players such as Joey Johns, Ray Price, Bob Fulton and Darren Lockyer and it was in regard to The Need to Win. All the conversations from the Storm this year come from a need not a want, Manly still talk about the want.
I heard Orford and Menzies talk last night on the footy show and their responses was exactly like the Storm last year, they are basking in their solid effort to make the GF. Then Slater and Smith came on and the tone changed, light hearted, but really, really focused.
I know it will be a great clash, both teams are ahead of their rivals by at least one to two years. The thing that will come into the clash will be the enforcers, the Kites and Watmoughs versus the Jeremy Smiths and Crokers. I expect a number of players to be put on report.
The only thing that will rattle the Storm will be the intangible referee.
If Manly win - it really is good for the game to have the spread of premierships that have occured over the past 10 years. Also for Steve Bell - still one of my favourite players.
If Storm win - it will be great for the interest in Victoria - I don't know of any Victorians that will not be watching it on Sunday.
Salute to both teams, as we asked for the best to play the best and we got it - going to be a great game.
I once penned a thread on players such as Joey Johns, Ray Price, Bob Fulton and Darren Lockyer and it was in regard to The Need to Win. All the conversations from the Storm this year come from a need not a want, Manly still talk about the want.
I heard Orford and Menzies talk last night on the footy show and their responses was exactly like the Storm last year, they are basking in their solid effort to make the GF. Then Slater and Smith came on and the tone changed, light hearted, but really, really focused.
I know it will be a great clash, both teams are ahead of their rivals by at least one to two years. The thing that will come into the clash will be the enforcers, the Kites and Watmoughs versus the Jeremy Smiths and Crokers. I expect a number of players to be put on report.
The only thing that will rattle the Storm will be the intangible referee.
If Manly win - it really is good for the game to have the spread of premierships that have occured over the past 10 years. Also for Steve Bell - still one of my favourite players.
If Storm win - it will be great for the interest in Victoria - I don't know of any Victorians that will not be watching it on Sunday.
Salute to both teams, as we asked for the best to play the best and we got it - going to be a great game.