''I don't think we had any respect,we got that today,''a proud Kernahan said,in his only post-match comment on Sunday.
The Blues had only made the finals after Essendon was banned because of its contentious supplements program. Coach Mick Malthouse said he had every belief the Blues,considering their strong form in the last month,could now topple last year's premier.
''I have got great belief in my team,both on and off the ground,''Malthouse said.
''I believe right now on those performances in the last month … that we will give ourselves a real chance of winning this game. We will pick the best side and we will pick it with the brief that they still owe their supporters and still owe it to their teammates who aren't playing to have a red-hot crack.''
Champion midfielder Chris Judd produced a second half for the ages. Having begun the match briefly on the bench,Judd had only nine disposals to half-time,but finished the day with 25,including 11 in the pivotal third term. The former skipper had missed the past three matches with a knee injury,having initially expected his season was over when he was in a brace for a fortnight.
''It probably wasn't happening for me individually in that first half so much and probably for a few other players as well,''Judd said.''But when you are playing in the game long enough,you know if you just stick at it and keep doing the right things,then sooner rather than later the tide turns.''
In only his fourth game of the season,Nick Duigan,a forgotten defender turned forward,was an unlikely hero,booting a career-high four goals.