Its always a risky business comparing successful teams from different eras. Many people are quick to use terms such as 'champion' and 'legend' to describe players and teams without real regard for the meaning of such terms. So, after 3 consecutive grand finals including 2 premierships does this Geelong side fit such lofty standards.
The simple answer is NO, not yet anyway.
This doesn't however mean they won't reach a level that compares them to the great teams of the past. The Brisbane Lions 4 consecutive Grand Final appearances and 3 consecutive premierships stands alone in the last 50 yrs of VFL/AFL football as the most successful era on paper if premierships are the measurements of success.
Step back in time and we see the great Melbourne era of 1954-1960, when the Demons appeared in 7 consecutive grand finals winning 5 premierships. Era's such as these create legitimate "legends of the game" such as Norm Smith and Ron Barassi, rather than just great players.
The Brisbane era too can claim at least one champion of the modern game in Michael Voss. Arguments could be made for the status of others such as Akermanis, Black and Brown among others but the status of the Lions as a champion team is undeniable.
So where does this leave the Cats of 2009, 2 flags, 3 grand finals, 65 wins to 10 losses in 3 years. It leaves them as a great team but certainly not the greatest team. One more premiership should see this club slip past the Lions in the historical pecking order of greatness.
And this club has another premiership in it at least. As the sun sets on season 2009 and the Cats deservedly soak up the adulation that comes with a premiership, I believe we can look forward to another successful season from the boys from Kardinia Park in 2010 and perhaps beyond.
According to the stats, the Cats may not be a legend team yet but that is the beauty of sport, they have time on their side. Minimal retirements beckon, minimal talk of salary cap issues and a list of players that seem to understand the unique opportunity they have within their grasp, suggest the run is far from over.
Who knows when this charmed run will finish for this group of Cats. Nobody knows, but when the dust finally settles and they return to the pack, what will history say about this era for the Geelong football club.
Only time will tell, however this punter at least thinks they may create history for the ages.
Mondays Expert
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