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The second weekend of Round 18 only consisted of four games, but it showed us the teams building up form in Hawthorn, Richmond, Brisbane and Adelaide, as well as highlighting the teams on the downhill in West Coast, Gold Coast and Collingwood.
Here’s my review the round.
Who won out of the likely grand finalists?
Hawthorn did, in what was a brilliant match for any football supporter, regardless of which team you barrack for. The MCG was teeming on Saturday night as more than 70,000 packed into the fantastic ground to watch a match that could be a precursor to the grand final.
The Hawks dug deep and came back from a 22-point deficit, as they overran what was an unbeatable Swans team. These two have now shown that they are the best two teams in the competition, as only a team like Hawthorn can manage to beat a team full of superstars in the forward line.
Yet Sydney have proven that they can beat a team full of seasoned professionals who are consistent week-in week-out. After watching Saturday night’s spectacle, where Adam Goodes, Jarryd Roughead, Lance Franklin, Kurt Tippett and Jack Gunston all stood tall in their respective forward lines, everyone now wants to see a Hawthorn versus Sydney grand final.
The season deserves it, as history shows us that these two teams can play an extraordinary grand final (2012). Even though Hawthorn may have been the winners of the match, everyone would have gone to bed feeling chuffed after such a great game of footy was played.
Who won the early elimination final?
Adelaide did, meaning that they move into the finals. The Pies are now on a torrid losing streak, as their tough run home needs to be matched by some excellent football.
Collingwood got off to the dream start, kicking the first two goals, before Eddy Betts sparked a Crows resurgence which saw them soar into the lead. They didn’t relinquish that lead until halfway through the last quarter, as a Travis Cloke major saw the Pies finally edge ahead after a few minutes with scores all locked up.
But the Crows wouldn’t give up, as they overran the Pies to win by 16 points in what was an enthralling and high scoring encounter. Adelaide have the easier run home, so they should hold out the Pies to make the finals. But you never know with an experienced Collingwood side hell bent on making the finals, as an upset against Port next week could be the boost they need.
They showed patches of great football on Sunday, so if they turn it on next Sunday at the ‘G, then maybe the drought can be broken. You never in footy, do you?
Tipping:
I tipped one out of four, with my correct match being Brisbane versus Gold Coast.
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