Chris Mooney - Post Australian Gridiron League

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Category: Chris Mooney

Matt: You lined up against the Vic Eagles for the final game of the league with both sides not having won a match, how was the mood of the team going into the match?

Chris: The mood of the team was pretty positive. Home game, prime weather (after a wet cloudy week) and nothing to lose. Traditionally the Vic Eagles are strong but after reviewing their previous games on film I knew we could not only match it with them but limit their scoring opportunities and let our offense do their thing.

Matt: Take us through the game and the turning points?

Chris: The first half was a defensive battle with neither team making many yards. Late in the 2^nd Qtr the Eagles scored first with their RB taking a pass and running it in 40yds for the score. Their defense then intercepted a Sundevils pass setting up their next TD a pass to their WR. Both were converted for a 14-0 half time score.
The 2^nd half started much the same as the first with big defensive plays on both sides until after a forced fumble by their QB the Sundevils RB broke a 75yd run down the sideline for a TD. The extra point blocked made it 14-6 Vic. Sundevils Defense kept the pressure on and forced the Vics to punt often each time offering the Sundevils decent field position. Finally in the 3^rd Qtr our QB connected with the WR for a big passing TD followed by a 2pt conversion making it 14-14. From there both the Qld Defense and Offense fired into top gear and scored another 2 TD's to finish strongly with a 27-14 win.

Matt: What was the highlight of the game for you?

Chris: I picked up a QB sack early in the game and made some solid tackles to limit their yards but for me the highlight of the game came after the big TD run that put us on the score board and back in the game. The buzz on our sideline was intense and I knew we would win the game from that point.

Matt: Now you have been playing Gridiron for close to 18yrs with this being your last game, how were the emotions leading into the game?

Chris: My emotions were good mate. I'm not the teary type I just wanted to enjoy the game and go out with a win.

Matt: Good to finish your career on a high with a win?

Chris: Yeah, it's always great to have a win. As I mentioned earlier, the setting for a final game couldn't have been much better.

Matt: You have had a week to digest the decision to retire, you still happy with the decision?

Chris: I am happy with my decision and the timing of my retirement from playing Gridiron. I had a great final year in the Gridiron Qld comp, no injuries, my team the GC Stingrays won the Sunbowl after being written off early in the season, I picked up GQ awards Best Linebacker and Defensive MVP. Then capped it off with winning the converted Stingrays Defensive MVP and Team MVP awards. So you couldn't ask for a better way to go out really.

Matt: The WA Raiders beat the NSW Wolfpack you have played both sides, did you think WA had the side to beat the NSW team and win the League?

Chris: I still think NSW had the better team, but it was obvious when we played them and watching the film of the NSW v WA game that WA were more determined to take the title from the NSW Wolfpack and would not quit until they had it in their hands. A massive congrats to the WA Raiders for winning the Championship title under the new Australian Gridiron League format!

Matt: List your top 3 highlights of your Gridiron career

Chris:  Wow, only 3? The easiest ones to recall in such a limited time/space would be simply the 3 Sunbowl Championship teams I have been on. 1996 Toowoomba Chargers, 2009 GC Stingrays and 2011 GC Stingrays.

Matt: What have you got planned for yourself from here?

Chris: Well this time of year is usually off season so I don't think it will really kick in until the 2012 season draws closer but right now I'm enjoying not having the little injuries that come with Gridiron and getting back into some regular strength training. I will obviously enjoy the extra time with my wife and daughter and will also enjoy supporting my daughter now in her sporting pursuits, after all I have 11 years of her sideline support to repay now :)

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