World Footy News

Ben Graham today moved to be the first Australian, barring any unforeseen incidents in the next two weeks, to play in an NFL Super Bowl. The remarkable journey that has played out as the post retirement scenario for the former Geelong Football Club captain sees him as one of the combatants in a sports event that captures global attention. Both punters met in the centre of the field 90 minutes prior to the start of the game and wished the other good luck, Rocca’s Philadelphia Eagles going into the match as overwhelming favourites. Graham was under an injury cloud going into the match with groin trouble, but was ultimately cleared to play.

The Arizona Cardinals lead early and took a 24 – 6 lead at half time. Graham punted once for 34 yards and held for one successful field goal and three extra point conversions in the first half. Rocca launched a huge 58 yard punt to the 5 yard line (which was returned 10 yards) just before half time and held for two successful and one unsuccessful field goals kicked by Eagles kicker David Akers. In the second half Graham punted four times with three of those inside the 20 yard line. The Eagles did come at the Cardinals but then the Cardinals pulled away again to win the NFC Championship 32-25. Graham’s performance of 5 punts for an average of 37.2 yards and 34.6 yards net average gave the Cardinals good field position in the tight second half. Sav Rocca’s only punt for the game was long and accurate but he will disappointed he cannot punt on the biggest stage in the Super Bowl.

Of course this was never about a head to head battle of the two punters and the better performance by one over the other would be unlikely to determine their team’s ultimate fate. While it seems this season that Rocca has punted greater distances it is hoped that Graham’s four years of punting experience in the NFL and all the years of Aussie rules football will give him a great preparation for the Super Bowl. Meanwhile former Collingwood and North Melbourne forward, Rocca will be hoping that his performance stands him in good stead to be retained by the Eagles for another NFL season.