It’s not the party line for a former Hawthorn skipper, but Richie Vandenberg admits he broke ranks during last Friday night’s AFL semi-final and and was struck by a genuine desire for Geelong to win.
“I’ve never barracked for Geelong in my life … but I just think this Hawthorn-Geelong preliminary final could be one of the greatest prelims in the last 10 years,” Vandenberg told AAP.
“It’ll be the game of the year, without a doubt. The anticipation will be amazing.
“Don’t get me wrong, I like the way Port went about their footy … but this is going to be an absolute classic.”
From afar it seems the grand final would be the ultimate stage for the Hawks to snap their 11-match losing streak against the Cats.
“The good thing about a prelim is unlike the grand final, you will have each of the clubs’ supporters there,” said the 36-year-old Vandenberg, who Alastair Clarkson entrusted to captain the Hawks when he first joined the club in 2005.
“In the MCG there’s going to be half Hawthorn supporters and half Geelong supporters, so the atmosphere is going to be fantastic.
“At the grand final you get a mix of people, so you probably wouldn’t get that same atmosphere.”
Vandenberg opined the Kennett curse could be a factor in both camps, if any of Geelong’s players become complacent with the mindset of “surely we can’t lose this one”.
“I don’t know who I’d prefer to be this week, a Hawks player or a Geelong player. I don’t know who’s going to be under more pressure,” he said.
When it comes to the Hawks’ preparation for the much-hyped clash, Vandenberg couldn’t be more certain they’re in safe hands.
“Clarko builds a great rapport with his players. Because he does that, he’s able to be very harsh with them when he needs to, and very positive when he needs to,” he said.
“He’s got that balance right.”