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Adam Schneider and Andrew McQualter of St Kilda Saints celebrate a goal during their AFL 1st Qualifying Final victory over Collingwood Magpies
When people look back at the first week of the 2009 Finals, they will see it going straight according to the form guide, but it wouldn’t have been like that had Carlton held their nerve.
Neither the Bulldogs or Magpies could cause the upset which means they should simply swap partners come the third week of the finals. The Geelong – St Kilda Grand Final is basically a done deal.
Eight is Enough
You can only blame injuries and suspensions so much. The truth of the matter is that the Bombers were one of the worst finals sides in recent memory.
To lose by 96 points was painful as it was embarrassing. Who knows where the Bombers go to from here? They began the decade as the competition’s most dominant side and to end it like this would be galling for most Essendon supporters.
As for the AFL, they will be having concerns about introducing a finals system which has more than eight teams. Less definitely is more.
Riches of Brisbane
What is more significant than the Lions coming back to defeat the Blues was how good Daniel Rich is going to be. He may not wear the Number 3, but no doubt he is the heir apparent to Michael Voss.
He was the year’s first Rising Star nominee and won the award unanimously. Against the Blues he was stellar and, while the Lions aren’t going to win the flag this year, they have hit the jackpot with Rich.
If only Richmond had the draft pick before the Lions instead of after – then he would join great players the likes of Matthew Pavlich and Buddy Franklin who weren’t deemed good enough by the Tigers.
Dogs need to Find Their Bark
They always seem to be there and thereabouts without being able to take that leap. 1961 was the last time the Bulldogs were in a Grand Final. No doubt they have made incredible strides as a club, but what is it all worth it unless one year they make a splash in September?
After making successive preliminary finals in 1997-98, it was 10 years until they were back in the final four. Now or never is a pretty apt description of their situation as it has been for the last 48 years.
Looking Ahead
The Brisbane Lions will be brought down to earth by the Western Bulldogs. Adelaide began their season against Collingwood and will end it against the Magpies and in the process will bring about another all-Victorian final four.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.