When it comes to September, it’s not all about the superstars, writes outgoing Dockers assistant coach ROBERT SHAW.

REGGIE Jackson was a slugger from the Bronx and earned his reputation as “Mr October” when he single handedly fired in October and lifted the famous Yankees to a World Series with three home runs from three strikes of the bat.
Yet in reality Jackson was an all-out slugger who still holds the record for being struck out the most times over his career.
Jackson had more plays and misses than Phil Tuffnell on a seaming Lords wicket, yet remains to posterity “Mr October”.
Our game hails its September heroes because we rightly judge them as having the capacity to perform when it matters most.
The ability to influence big games, particularly finals, leaves a reputation that remains forever.
Over the decades they are names such as Barassi, Nicholls, Barlett, more recently Hird and Archer, and now an emerging brigade such as Ablett, Judd, Goodes and Burgoyne.
Robert Dipierdomenico actually believes he was born to play in September and Dermott Brereton out of the same era is introduced as a “five day and five night premiership player”.
Their reputations are based on great ability and toughness but also the true essence of the game, the capacity to produce when it counts.
Chris Mew is a plumber down on the Mornington Peninsula. He played centre half back in that great Hawthorn era, would rarely have done an interview, yet remains the consummate team man and a true custodian of the Hawks’ dominance. He played about one poor finals game in his grand career.
September is obviously upon us when the print media begin their previews with a focus on the big names and excitement machines that will thrill us with their ability to perform under finals fire.
However, the great thing about our game is that it is totally team focused, and while great players go a long way to helping collect the elusive silverware, rest assured that great teams rise as one on the victory dais.
To me, Geelong’s victory last year was not only highlighted by the sheer brilliance of Gary Ablett and Steve Johnson, but also the incredible toughness and uncompromising tackling of Max Rooke, which deserved equal plaudits.
His tackling was scary.
You can be assured our (Essendon) 2000 super team owed a lot to the flamboyant brilliance of Hird, Long and Mercuri. But it was the unflappable nature and organisational skills of Joe Misiti that provided the glue that held it all together.
Through the late 70s and early 80s Carlton won three premierships. I played in this period and enormously respected the contribution of Mark McClure.
He was a great finals player. Held down centre half forward, played in front, was tough and resilient.
Today his media comments are insightful and measured. A true professional yet he is rarely mentioned outside the inner sanctum of Princes Park
The brilliant Wayne Harmes and “the Dominator” Wayne Johnston may have been a medal or two short without McClure.
Recent history saw a rivalry develop between the West Coast Eagles and Sydney Swans. Leo Barry's mark consigns him to September immortality. Chris Judd and Andrew Embley took out back-to-back Norm Smith medals as the two teams shared premiership years.
But the turning point in the Eagles’ premiership was not a flash of Judd brilliance or a surging Cousins run and goal, but a simple statement of courage and team commitment. It remains etched in my mind, a sacrificial act born out of desperation and physical sacrifice.
How do you rate Daniel Chick’s smother on a Sydney opponent that resulted in a goal to Adam Hunter?
Chick was no superstar, but what a moment in the Grand Final!
Finally to the 60s and 70s where my old coach Sheeds played alongside Stewart, Hart, Bartlett, Bourke and against the likes of Nicholls, Jesaulenko, Doull and Southby.
He likes to take trips down memory lane, does Kevin, but if you are fortunate to share a conversation about “Tigers of old” one name consistently comes up.
Ruckman Mike Green slots in anonymously among the previous names of premiership heroes yet on the big stage the angular ruckman with a great pair of hands and a football brain to boot controlled the whole show.
Geelong will most likely win back-to-back flags.
I believe that Hawthorn presents a legitimate challenge with a multi-pronged forward set-up, strong rucks and outstanding ball use and ball carry.
With no allegiance whatsoever to either team I am keen to turn the focus away from the obvious.
At times we know that Franklin, Ablett, Johnson, Hall, Akermanis, Riewoldt, Wells and McLeod are going to thrill the thousands that flock to September action.
But two things are true about finals football.
There will be an upset in the first week of the finals, and new heroes will emerge.
History tends to repeat itself and the game continually challenges and questions every facet of our make-up. Particularly at this time.
We love our stars, but finals will unearth new heroes.
Will it be the veteran King in another finals campaign, the underrated Birchall, the feisty Kieran Jack, or the resolute fitness of Daniel Cross?
Can the twin giants at North Melbourne in Hale and Petrie create a passage for the Kangaroos’ pace at ground level.
Sam Fisher was brilliant in St Kilda’s win over Essendon. Stephen Milne was at his goalkicking best. But in the big picture where percentage meant everything, how good was Fisher!
A baptism of finals fire awaits two unlikely key position players at Collingwood, Nathan Brown and John Anthony, and at Adelaide Nathan van Berlo and Michael Doughty have become crucial link players in the Crows’ running game.
After the disappointment of last year, Mark Blake will look across the centre circle at Steven King. This is a finals story in itself.
Can the AFL’s most improved player in Jarrad McVeigh do it in September? Harry Taylor, Matthew Boyd, Leigh Montagna, Brendon Goddard, and Tom Lonergan – your time has arrived.
So, one of Adelaide, Collingwood, North Melbourne, St Kilda, Geelong, Sydney, Hawthorn or the Bulldogs will win the premiership.
All good teams, but one is on the verge of greatness.
The form team is Geelong, but there may be an emerging superteam at Glenferrie Oval.
The emerging presence lies with Hawthorn, the X factor is the Bulldogs and the pros are Sydney.
Collingwood’s injuries have blunted a competitive team, Adelaide is measured and organized, Laidley has gone within one lame team performance of a standout coaching year at North, while St Kilda is on a high with Koschitzke and Riewoldt in top form. Momentum is a wonderful finals ingredient.
Club supporters will look forward to the excitement and emotion of September.
My one certainty is that in the simmering, choking atmosphere, unlikely heroes will emerge.

RUSSELL HOLMESBY