Number 1 – Saturday 8 September, 2012 – ‘Pav’ sinks the greatest team of all

Fox Footy commentator Brian ‘BT’ Taylor summed it up best after Freo’s captain had kicked his sixth goal:

“You are a superstar, Matthew Pavlich,” he said.

‘Pav’ had just kicked one of the most memorable goals of his career, and in doing so smashed the final nail in the Geelong coffin.

What made Pavlich’s brilliant performance all the more meritorious was the stage - an elimination final against the reigning AFL premiers on the home of football, the MCG.

The Cats were widely regarded as one of the greatest teams of all-time, if not the best.

But within minutes, Pavlich had made hismark. He kicked the game’s opening two goals and then booted a third major, all in the first quarter as Freo ambushed Geelong.

He opened the third term with a strong mark and his fourth goal, just as the Cats were inching their way back into the contest.

The fifth was a beauty as well, but it was the final goal that will be remembered most.

Geelong had withered the margin down to 17 points with just under five minutes to go and appeared to have the momentum.
A David Mundy clearance sent the ball into Freo’s forward 50, where Pavlich gathered and lined up as if to shoot on goal.

But he feigned, sending opponent Tom Lonergan diving at air.

‘Pav’ steadied and blasted through the goal that confirmed Freo’s first ever win in a final outside of WA, and his status as a big-game performer.

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