1996 vs 2008 Manly

[Harmless27]

two glorious eras and amazing teams.
The defence of the 96 team was the most impressive I ever saw (albeit it during a slower era of play the balls etc). I just remember the goal line defence being unbelievably strong.
The 96 team was also up against some pretty strong teams too. Some of the sydney based clubs (St George, Bulldogs and even parra with all their militants at the time were pretty strong. It was a tough old comp.
2008 was just stupid. We were a team in TOP form, going through a purple patch in terms of form and also minimal injuries. We were charmed, and we absolutely made the most of it. Smith was even out in that GF, and I honestly felt the opposition was a little inferior.

All said and done - the 2008 team has S. Menzies in it - so I go with them.

 

[Brissie Kid]

My fav Manly team was the 1995 side (not 1996). The way they played was just a joy to watch.

Manly mid season 26-0 win over the Dogs was just a show.

 

[40 nil]

2008 team has S. Menzies in it - so I go with them.

So did the 1996 team 🙂

 

[lsz]

My fav Manly team was the 1995 side (not 1996). The way they played was just a joy to watch.

Manly mid season 26-0 win over the Dogs was just a show.

What a team that was

If they had won the GF they would have known as one of the best of all time

 

[Snake]

On paper, the 1996 team is far superior to 2008...we had Mark Bryant and Heath L’estrange on the bench, which speaks volumes.

In saying that, the 08 side were a champion team, as opposed to a team of champions...

It’s hard to split them...

 

[manly al]

very hard to split the two sides . Manly 08 side was in such red hot form through the final's series and especially in the G F , always are going to be rated so very highly . Very classy and solid 96 side but that form shown in the final "s by the 08 side was something else again .

 

[sharx]

It would be interesting to see Steve Menzies opinion as he was in both teams

 

[Lyonstomenzies]

I think Beaver would go with the 96 team. He was a young layer probably in awe of the players around him.

In 2008 he was an old soul who had done it all so probably would have been more calm.

 

[MadMarcus]

I think most people would agree that young beaver is better than old beaver, so I’d have to say 96 on that basis.

 

[sharx]

I think beaver would say 08 as that team gave him the perfect send off with 40 nil

I’m sure that would be the most memorable team for him personally

But if anyone can contact him to give his view..