BY DAN

By now you’re aware the Canberra Raiders 2024 season is officially over.

It was over yesterday in all but the shouting, but the nature of their victory had meant that even the hardened cynic was holding a small little flicker of hope deep in their soul. After all, if Corey can go the full Hudson, then what’s to say a draw can’t happen? And when the Knights and the Phins went deep into the game with a try between them a draw felt, well, not likely. But maybe not completely impossible. Right?

Canberra are set to rue what could have been. Pick your favourite point of the season that should have been better and it’s the difference between finals or not. Most will note letting the wooden-spooners put 40 on you. Or losing at home to the team that took your spot. Putting a loose 18 on the Sharks and giving it up just as easy is another choice option. But there were just as many unlikely moments in the other direction. After all, among the eight million reasons were going to miss Jordan Rapana, a two field goal game will be on the first page.

Now the job of what could have been turns to the question of what was and what will be. In the coming days we’ll have thoughts on the chances of keeping Corey Horsburgh, of the learnings from the season, and what is going to happen with Canberra’s leadership, coaching, and roster (that’s five separate articles). And that doesn’t even include the fun we’ll get to when it comes to the ins and out that will come from the rumour mill this next few weeks. We’d love it if you’d stick around.

But also don’t. This season has been an ordeal. An experience. Agony wrapped in ecstasy sitting on a little pile of pain. If you’re anything like me you’re exhausted. You need a break. Have a cup of tea and enjoy watching the finals without having to have a horse in the race. Hopefully the footy is good and the Panthers don’t win. Or the Roosters. Or the Storm. Or the….umm does the cricket start soon?

For last time this season…. Up the Milk!

Thanks for all the love about our milestone. If you haven’t already like the page on Facebook, follow me, Rob, or  Viv on Twitter, or share this on social media and I walk into hell with you. Don’t hesitate to send us feedback (dan@sportress.org) or comment below if you think we are stupid. Or if we’re not.