Kenilworth footballer Josh Blyth earns redemption in SAAFL division five grand final replay
NO ONE is more relieved that Kenilworth claimed the SA Amateur Football League’s division five premiership last Saturday than Josh Blyth.
NO ONE is more relieved that Kenilworth claimed the SA Amateur Football League’s division five premiership last Saturday than Josh Blyth.
A week earlier at Blair Athol Reserve, the 31-year-old Kookaburras spearhead was faced with every young footballer’s dream when he had a set shot to win a grand final after the siren.
He lined up from about 40m from goal with St Marys-based Kenilworth trailing Woodville South by a point and a chance to be the hero.
“I just went through my normal routine and at the time I wasn’t thinking that we had the opportunity to win the grand final,” Blyth recalls.
“It still felt like it was another kick, even though there was a lot more on the line.
“It was on target to go straight through the middle ... but five metres before the ball went through the goal it faded late.”
The footy scraped the right-hand goalpost, tying the scores.
It ensured a replay at Thebarton Oval the following week.
“I immediately slumped to the ground.
“It was devastating.”
Blyth says it took him about four days to overcome his disappointment and stop himself from constantly replaying the kick “over and over”.
Support from teammates helped the former North Adelaide player realise the opportunity for premiership glory was not yet lost.
In the ultimate redemption, Blyth received the medal for the best player last Saturday’s grand final replay after booting three goals.
“It was more relief than excitement and happiness,” he says of his feelings after winning the flag.
“If we’d lost I never would’ve forgiven myself for not making the most of that opportunity.
“It was a big load off the shoulders.”
Blyth, who is weighing up retirement, now considers his missed shot a blessing, rather than a lost opportunity.
“A lot of our supporters and volunteers were unable to make to the (first) grand final because of hosting three grand finals at our club … but all of them were able to come to the second game.
“The way it worked out, it was just meant to be.
“It just made the victory that much sweeter.”