2009 in Review - Newcastle Knights

Newcastle Knights - 7th & Qualifying Finalists

Reasons: Enterprising start: The Knights exploded out of the blocks early in the season, sitting pretty in the top four after 12 rounds. In the process, the new-look Knights had some impressive scalps to their name. Manly, Brisbane, the Dragons and Titans all fell victim to the Knights impressive home record. There were signs that the Knights home-ground fortress was getting its mojo back after disappointing 07 and 08 campaigns. The Knights ten-win, two-loss record at EAS gave fans plenty of hope for another successful season at home in 2010. Brian Smith saga: There is little doubt the now-infamous Smithgate had its impact on the Knights and the way they played their football. In the space of a few weeks, the Knights highly enterprising way of attacking football made way for regular mistake-riddled performances that left many Knights fans shaking their heads in disbelief. Many thought things weren