This game was the first of the Ansett Cup games for 1998, and as part of the AFL's plans to take Aussie Rules overseas, it was played in South Africa. The Dockers played without most of their starting 22, and Brisbane, faced with a 20 hour flight to get to the ground refused to include anyone with the slightest hint of a back or leg problem, or even a history of such problems in their touring party.
This game was played way early in the year, and I did watch it, but I didn't take much notice of the final score. Brisbane won, and won easily though. It was very pleasing to note, that judging by the crowd reactions, Cape Town could well become a home venue for the Dockers. Desmond Tutu claimed that it was because South Africans have a soft spot for the underdog, but I personally think that it was a case of supporting anyone brave enough to wear green and white and red and purple as a sporting uniform.
The Dockers lost the game in the first quarter, when Brisbane kicked with the breeze. The Dockers managed one goal for the quarter, while the Lions were wasteful up front, and still managed to pile on seven or so. The Dockers were more competitive for the rest of the game, but never really looked like they were going to knock Brisbane off.
The game was played in pretty warm conditions (low 30s) and players from both teams were relieved when it was all over and they could fly home. The standard of play from both teams was pretty low, probably because of the lack of experienced players involved.
timnfromoz
© 1998 timnfromoz@hotmail.com
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