Dallas @ Nashville – Coaches Recap.

July 27^th 2004

Assistant Coach - Stuart Rackham

Dallas Magpies ramped up their quest for a MAAFL championship in front of a large crowd wearing blue and white in Nashville, Tennessee, beating the home team in a thrilling "come from behind" victory. In what was almost an action replay of season 2003, the Pies snatched victory by 8-points, proving that they are a very strong outfit with a never say die attitude.

After last year's crushing final seconds defeat, the Nashville Kangaroos were out for revenge, starting the game full of fire and kicking the first 3 goals. After regaining composure Dallas began to make inroads on the ‘Roo’s lead, and thanks to some speedy footwork from on-ballers Grant Campbell, Justin Chance and Seth Haesecke were still well in it. The first quarter was physically tough and both sides were giving it all to gain the upper hand. Nashville went into the first change with a narrow lead but the second quarter saw the Dallas forward line launch a come back.

The Magpies demonstrated great team-work in the second quarter moving the ball in to the forward line and kicking some hard earned goals. The physical nature of the game continued and Dallas back flanker Daniel Russo took a nasty blow to the head, which stopped play for 10 minutes, before the team doctor assisted him off the field. In fine Dallas style tough defenders Darren Wilcox, Sean Neary and Brandon Blankenship were inspirational in rebounding the ‘Roos forwards, Blankenship putting an end to the full forwards first quarter haul of 3 goals. At the other end of the ground rookie Seth Haesecke combined with skipper Stuart Rackham to cut down the Nashville lead and at the main break the scores were tied at 44 a piece.

The ‘Roos once again came out pumped up for the third quarter and through their strong talls and quick midfield managed to kick ahead of a down and depleted Dallas side. However, some inaccurate kicking, plus some physical work from wrecking-ball Scott Cobb, and never say die efforts from Scott Hunt around the ground, left the Magpies with a sniff of victory heading into the last quarter. The forth quarter 20-point deficit seemed too much to turn around in only 20 minutes, but no body told Dallas. They had been in that exact same position in the previous time these two sides met, and with the wind at their backs, an inspirational speech from super coach Ian "Poppy" Russell and best on ground Grant Campbell, the ‘Pies were ready for a 4th quarter blitz.

After a few positional changes Dallas took to the field and instantly demonstrated why they were a force in 2004. Making a courageous come-back from a solid hit to the head, Daniel Russo took up his usual position in the half backline and caused major headaches for the ‘Roo forward line, never allowing the ball into the ‘Roo scoring zone the whole quarter.

After spending most of the game in the backline, Magpie spearhead full forward Glen Paton returned to his favorite position and gave Dallas some early hope, kicking truly. Motivated by this, the entire Dallas side lifted, and goals from Campbell, Jeff Howard and Haesecke put the visiting side up by 2 points. When Paton steered through another with less than two minutes to go Nashville faced an 8-point defeat but it wasn't over yet. The ‘Roos had one last chance to edge out Dallas with a free kick about 35 yards from goal, but after missing a set shot at goal the siren sounded and the Magpies had once again stolen victory from the jaws of defeat.

It was a great show of team work and determination that helped the Dallas side bring home the points and the win - A win that was inspired by and dedicated to veteran Magpie John Battaglia who is currently battling cancer and unable to take the field.

Dallas advanced in the MAAFL standings to contend for what will definitely be the most exciting division finish in the USA.

Special mention also must go out to the Dallas chug-a-lug team who managed to defeat an undefeated ‘Roo team, not once but twice. Making this road trip extra special for the Dallas Magpies.

Cheers,

Super-Coach-Stu

Best Players: Campbell, Haesecke, Russo

Boat Race Best: Cobb, Blakenship, Neary, Wilcox, Samuelson