1st Qualifying Final, MCG
Richmond v Hawthorn
Much has been made of the fact that this is the first time the Hawks and Tigers have played a final, but in the end who cares? The attendance will easily exceed 85,000 and quite possibly 90,000.
Hawthorn, after a golden era of five straight prelims and three straight flags, dropped out of the eight for just one season and have now snuck back into the top 4. Their nemesis: Richmond.
Let's face it: the entire AFL world is watching and waiting for Richmond to **** it up like Geelong did in 2008. The Tigers are clearly the best side in it but their only win away from Victoria came against the shitty Suns at Carrara.
Many are giving Hawthorn a good chance in this match due to their trademark Clarkson precision game style and the fact that they are also MCG tenants. Whilst QFs are not elimination, a lot is riding on this one. The winner here will get their first foot in the door of a grand final. If Hawthorn can pull an upset, Richmond may be sent away from their precious MCG for a prelim, and wouldn't it be delicious to see them sent away and lose. In the end, Richmond will probably prove too strong. Tigers by 24.
2nd Qualifying Final, Perth Stadium
West Coast v Collingwood
The Eagles were expected to slide quietly into a rebuild in 2018 but here we are, they have finished second and booked a QF at their new home fortress. I don't think the Pies will get much of a sniff here as long as West Coast's midfield breaks even. Eagles at home by 38.
1st Elimination Final, MCG
Melbourne v Geelong
Our draft day enemies take on the side of our very own Brownlow medallist defector. I think most of us, despite feeling dirty barracking for Dangerfield and Selwood, are hoping for a Geelong win to get the Crows a slightly better draft pick.
This year, the Cats and Dees have fought out two matches decided by under a kick and this shapes up as a cracker. Both sides have been hot and cold and that's why they find themselves duking it out in the pleb finals rather than QFs.
Both Melbourne and Geelong have been talked up as smokey challengers for the flag but I'm not so sure about that. Geelong have more experience but have displayed a similar gooey soft underbelly to Melbourne. Will be an occasion for popcorn. Cats by 10.
2nd Elimination Final, SCG
Sydney v Giants
Hard game to get a read on, between two enigma sides. The Swans have been good away and very ordinary at home, looking like they were done before 'doing a Sydney' and booking their place in what one comedian called the seven (it's not the eight as one spot is pre-booked for the Swans).
Their artificial cross-town rivals also looked done for when they were playing terrible football mid-season but have gotten their extremely talented side back. Both of these sides might be smokeys for the flag but my gut tells me no. Hard to tip, but Swans by 8.
Richmond v Hawthorn
Much has been made of the fact that this is the first time the Hawks and Tigers have played a final, but in the end who cares? The attendance will easily exceed 85,000 and quite possibly 90,000.
Hawthorn, after a golden era of five straight prelims and three straight flags, dropped out of the eight for just one season and have now snuck back into the top 4. Their nemesis: Richmond.
Let's face it: the entire AFL world is watching and waiting for Richmond to **** it up like Geelong did in 2008. The Tigers are clearly the best side in it but their only win away from Victoria came against the shitty Suns at Carrara.
Many are giving Hawthorn a good chance in this match due to their trademark Clarkson precision game style and the fact that they are also MCG tenants. Whilst QFs are not elimination, a lot is riding on this one. The winner here will get their first foot in the door of a grand final. If Hawthorn can pull an upset, Richmond may be sent away from their precious MCG for a prelim, and wouldn't it be delicious to see them sent away and lose. In the end, Richmond will probably prove too strong. Tigers by 24.
2nd Qualifying Final, Perth Stadium
West Coast v Collingwood
The Eagles were expected to slide quietly into a rebuild in 2018 but here we are, they have finished second and booked a QF at their new home fortress. I don't think the Pies will get much of a sniff here as long as West Coast's midfield breaks even. Eagles at home by 38.
1st Elimination Final, MCG
Melbourne v Geelong
Our draft day enemies take on the side of our very own Brownlow medallist defector. I think most of us, despite feeling dirty barracking for Dangerfield and Selwood, are hoping for a Geelong win to get the Crows a slightly better draft pick.
This year, the Cats and Dees have fought out two matches decided by under a kick and this shapes up as a cracker. Both sides have been hot and cold and that's why they find themselves duking it out in the pleb finals rather than QFs.
Both Melbourne and Geelong have been talked up as smokey challengers for the flag but I'm not so sure about that. Geelong have more experience but have displayed a similar gooey soft underbelly to Melbourne. Will be an occasion for popcorn. Cats by 10.
2nd Elimination Final, SCG
Sydney v Giants
Hard game to get a read on, between two enigma sides. The Swans have been good away and very ordinary at home, looking like they were done before 'doing a Sydney' and booking their place in what one comedian called the seven (it's not the eight as one spot is pre-booked for the Swans).
Their artificial cross-town rivals also looked done for when they were playing terrible football mid-season but have gotten their extremely talented side back. Both of these sides might be smokeys for the flag but my gut tells me no. Hard to tip, but Swans by 8.
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