Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs

The Bulldogs look shakier than a one legged Blue Heeler. They have been lacking their characteristic dogbite that they had at the beginning at the season, and fourth quarter fadeouts have not helped. Their form leading into the finals series is inconsistent, with the Bulldogs only winning 1 out of 4 games and that was against Essendon.

Hawthorn have been waiting all season for this finals series. After years of re-building and promise, they finally have the team that could possibly take out the last day in September. Buddy finally kicked 100 goals which is great to see but he needs to be accurate to ensure a Hawk’s victory. Lance Franklin up front supported by Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli, Mark Williams makes the Hawthorn forward line very unstoppable on its day.

The Bulldogs did have a win over the Hawks back in Round 10 but since then they haven’t been the same. The problem with the Doggies is they have to pull out a team performance, rather rely on a few superstars to get them over the line. As they did in Round 10, they need to run hard, tackle hard and everybody needs to contribute to ensure a victory.

Hawthorn win.

Adelaide v Collingwood

This games a tough one. Even though the Crows finished 5th and the Magpies 8th, there is no second chance for both teams. Their form going into the Finals has been very similar. Adelaide did have a solid win over the Bulldogs but Collingwood did suffer a shock loss over the lowly Dockers.

Last time these teams met Collingwood beat Adelaide convincingly in round 15 by 32 points. Both teams have been very inconsistent so this one will be a hard one to pick a winner. Which team will rock up for both clubs? The Crows had a horror month a few rounds back after their derby showdown with Port but have showed some form of late to win 4 out of their last 5 games. Collingwood were also looking the goods until they suffered an embarrassing defeat in the hands of the Dockers.

For the Crows guys like Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett and Bernie Vince could really step up to the plate. Adelaide have a good mix of young and experienced finals campaigners to see them over the line. But their biggest worry is where their goal power is going to come from. Brett Burton would of been very useful at this part of the season.

Collingwood are really suffering with the absence of players due to injuries and misdemeanors. Dale Thomas (calf, test) and Scott Burns (calf, test) might play but don’t look 100%. Heath Shaw and Alan Didak would off been handy inclusions but prefer to emulate Melbourne ‘Underbelly’ characters than stick to their day jobs.

Anthony Rocca (ankle, 1-3 weeks) could of been a focal point up forward but he’s just about signing up for his pension. The Magpies might have to rely upon a Docker’s small forward reject in Paul Medhurst,to fire for their goal kicking power.

Adelaide win.

Sydney v North Melbourne

Sydney have an ageing list of veterans who have plenty of finals experience in recent years but their tired, old legs might not be able to carry them through to another finals victory. The Swans’ form has been patchy leading in with only 2 wins from the past 5 games, and that was against teams lower on the table than them. The Kangaroos have been inconsistent showing glimpses of promise in the final weeks leading up to this but yet again finish the season poorly with a flogging from September vacationers, Port Power.

Last time these teams met was way back in round 6 when some miscalculating Kanga players thought they had won, when in fact the scores were tied at 64 points all.

The Kangaroos will have to rely upon big game players like Daniel Wells and Brent Harvey who are hitting form at the right end of the season. They have a team of no-namers who could either show up to play out of their skins or just show up for the free oranges at half time.

Sydney have experience to depend on but a few of their player like Barry Hall and Adam Goodes look to be going through the motions. They need to fire up for this big game if the Swans are to have any chance of winning. The game is at ANZ stadium which will help Sydney’s chances of winning.

Sydney win.

Geelong v St Kilda

Geelong are the Rolls Royce Phantom to St Kilda’s Nissan Datsun. This whole season the Cats have been playing sublime football making it look easy but there is plenty of horsepower to back up their silky, smooth appearance. The Cats finish as Minor premiers after a record 21 wins-1 loss season.

The Saints on the other hand have needed a few jumpstarts, oil changes and a reconditioned motor to get them going. But they carry some momentum going down the road and look to be in the right form at the business end of the season. The Saints last 3 games have all been wins to see them finish fourth with a second chance if they lose this week.

Last time these teams met in round four, Geelong had a comprehensive win over the Saints by 42 points. The Cats are definitely a class above any team in the competition but can be beaten as shown by Collingwood earlier in the year. If they lose here they get a second chance and if they are due for a loss it better happen now, than in that one day in September.

Geelong do not seem to have a weakness across all lines but it is their engine room mid field that most impresses. Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel, Joel Corey and Joel Selwood are ball magnets who punish oppositions with their possession executions. And who can forget the flame haired veteran in Cameron Ling, who leads by example in play and keeps the group settled.

Stephen Milne and Nick Riewoldt have been firing for the Saints up forward and are complemented by a workman-like mid field ( Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna ), that may lack the pace of Geelong but have a capability to find targets.

St Kilda need a complete team effort to pull off a win this week against the Geelong all stars. I wouldn’t be suprised to see an upset here and it could do Geelong some good. The Saints have been hitting winning form but the Cats should be too polished.

Geelong win.

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