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Between the match review panel and club medical reports, the opening week of the AFL finals series will test some players’ nerves.
Geelong pair Paul Chapman and Steve Johnson and Sydney defender Heath Grundy are sweating on how Monday’s panel assesses incidents from the fierce match at Simonds Stadium.
Hawthorn defender Brent Guerra and Fremantle counterpart Luke McPharlin are also anxious to know what part they can play this month after suffering hamstring injuries over the weekend.
Geelong’s Chris Scott went completely against the AFL coaching mantra of “I didn’t see the incident, I can’t comment” when asked post-match on Saturday about Chapman being booked for striking Ben McGlynn.
Chapman starred for the Cats with three goals as they overran Sydney in the second half to win by 38 points.
Asked if he had concerns, Scott replied: “Not from me, I’ve had a look at the vision quite closely.
“That’s just me, though.
“When I’ve seen it, I’m honest – if I was worried, I just wouldn’t have looked.”
The 17.10 (112) to 11.12 (78) win over Sydney ensures the Cats will host Fremantle at the MCG in Saturday night’s elimination final.
Johnson will also come under review after he pushed Dan Hannebery to the ground, while Grundy collected James Podsiadly to the face with a high hit.
Guerra’s season could be over after he limped off with a hamstring injury in the last term of the 25-point win over West Coast on Friday night at the MCG.
The 14.11 (95) to 10.10 (70) win meant the Hawks took the minor premiership for the first time since 1989 – when they went on to win the flag.
The Hawks open the finals on Friday night with an MCG blockbuster against fourth-placed Collingwood.
Magpies key forward Travis Cloke returned to form on Saturday night with five goals in the 14.20 (104) to 10.12 (72) win over Essendon.
McPharlin hurt his hamstring during Saturday night’s 61-point belting of Melbourne, 14.17 (101) to 5.10 (40).
Sydney’s loss to Geelong meant they will have to travel to Adelaide for their Saturday afternoon qualifying final against the Crows.
Adelaide eased into the finals with a 22.21 (153) to 9.8 (62) demolition of Gold Coast.
The Eagles will host North Melbourne on Sunday in the other elimination final.
While North beat Greater Western Sydney by 28 points, 16.9 (105) to 11.11 (77), they stayed in eighth place.
The finalists were confirmed the previous weekend, meaning Sunday’s games were dead rubbers.
St Kilda beat Carlton 16.10 (106) to 12.19 (91) in a spiteful Etihad Stadium match as Brett Ratten coached the Blues for the last time.
Richmond and Port Adelaide had the first draw of the season, 16.10 (106) apiece at the MCG.
Brisbane ended their encouraging season with a 19.14 (128) to 9.7 (61) thrashing of the Western Bulldogs at the ‘Gabba.
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