Even though the Dogs lost that game. It was a cracker. That 10mins before half time is what won it for the Eels. Dogs threw everything at them, and if they had of cracked, I think it would have been all over.
Awesome atmosphere at the game. Fans were divided on different sides of the stadium which just added to it.
Its certainly the best game Ive ever been to, not because Parramatta won but the atmosphere, the game and the behavior of the fans.
I wouldnt have been disappointed had you guys won, you came 2nd you were a tough opponent, we came 8th and that magical run was going to end at some stage, I wouldve appreciated the effort and the season.
I remember how much it didn't sink in until full time that we were going to a grand final.
The one thing I remember after the game was, some of the Bulldogs fans near me came up to me and my mates and shook our hands and said good luck, one of them also said "Hope you smash those Storms".
Great respect. Also outside the stadium a number of Doggies fans were banging the drums, whilst disappointed they were happy what a season they had from the previous year, from wooden spooners to preliminary finalists.
And also the other thing I remember was El Masri did a lap of honour because of his last game, even the Eels fans were applauding him. He's a great role model for our game.
I was right near where his wife was sitting and she broke down in tears as he walked past our bay, a few of the women in both Bulldogs and Eels jersies gave her a big hug.
Thats what the game is all about, once the full time whistle went, everyone respected each other.
Great stuff.