From where I sat 000 almost had to be dialled! Like virtually every other person, barring some very passionate Adelaide 36ers supporters, I thought the South Dragons would simply run over their opposition late in the game, but as always the contest was not over until the large lady had sung. Like a good soap opera there were some critical characters for both teams as the game wound down in what had been an offensively driven contest. For the ‘Sixers it was veteran Lanard Copeland who provided the drama, with a hail of three-point shots that seemed to arch their way over every hand and into the net, while the Dragons counted on many to create their performance. Some contributors provided the soul, such as Rosell Ellis and Jacob Holmes who each had outstanding rebounding numbers, with other team members such as Heal, Franklin and Ingles adding the flavour with big point plays.

There were also some important cameo performances from South Dragons Hobba, Shanahan and Drmic with the latter’s work not necessarily showing up on the scorers’ sheet. With the game moving into overtime, however, it was about the players who weren’t on the court as much as those who still stood tall. Adelaide’s Copeland failed to play in the final five minutes of extra time with a hamstring strain that had reared upon release of one of his game-tying three-point tries, and critical ‘Sixer Horvath had fouled out earlier, meaning his size was not a factor for the Dragons to contend. The Dragons proved to be too strong in the end but the overtime period was still hard work given the opposition refused to let up at either end of the court. Sadly the game in Geelong was the Dragons last regular season home game but my fingers are crossed as I hope to see the team again play at Vodafone Arena as part of their finals campaign.

On behalf of all South Dragons supporters I wish the team all the very best on and off the court leading into their first finals appearance and once again thank you for providing such great entertainment and passion, not to mention results, in just your first year as a team. Go Dragons.