Nick Riewoldt of St Kilda marks the ball in front of Scott Thompson of North Melbourne during the AFL Round 20 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the St Kilda Saints at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne.
Collingwood, Geelong and St Kilda are the only teams that can win this year’s premiership. With the top eight all but settled, history suggests a side in the top four will win it, but after the Bulldogs insipid performance on Saturday night, now we’re down to just three.
The Magpies are the in form team of the competition and for what its worth will undoubtedly win this year’s minor premiership.
Collingwood is playing with a confidence and resolve that’s reflected in their effort and performance – led by coach Mick Malthouse.
In my mind at this point, Malthouse is well out in front when it comes to the “Coaching Performance of the Year” title.
But it’s that other title and piece of silverware they so desperately want and strangely enough, if for whatever reason they don’t win it this year, I think fans need not worry, the future is in good hands.
The much talked about depth and clean bill of health this year is one thing, but the other important factor is the Magpies premiership window, which looks to me like it might be open for the next five years.
The amount of time Shane O’bree, Josh Fraser and Tarkyn Lockyer have spent in the VFL this season is testament to that.
Collingwood has created a dynasty of expectation and respect that has the potential to take the club to great things.
Notwithstanding this year of course, Collingwood is the real deal and are deserving of premiership favouritism.
The question is can maintain this incredible momentum and withstand the pressure of September?
One team that is all too familiar with finals football is Geelong.
In an ominous sign the Cats were well and truly back to their brutal best on the weekend humiliating the Western Bulldogs.
The 101-point demolition might just have smashed the life and perhaps even confidence completely out of the Dogs premiership campaign.
Rodney Eade’s men will still finish in the top four and earn the double chance but how can we consider them a genuine contender when they are yet to defeat Collingwood, Geelong or St Kilda this season?
Geelong’s loss to Collingwood a fortnight ago might just have been the one they had to have ahead of the finals.
It’s a case of been there done that for the Cats and it would take a brave person to discount them from here.
And then there is St Kilda.
After their upset loss to Essendon a few weeks ago many believed the Saints had fired their last shot for season 2010.
But as they always do they came marching back into form and re-affirmed their desire to go one better this year.
The Saints completely outclassed North Melbourne in yesterday’s twilight game and while the sun has now set on the Kangaroos slim finals hopes, the match marked a new dawn for Nick Riewoldt.
The Saints skipper is officially back booting seven goals and completely dominating a game for the first time since returning from a hamstring operation.
When Saint Nick is up and firing St Kilda can beat anyone on their day.
As I’ve said before I think Ross Lyon deserves credit for keeping his players focused through what’s been a bizarre year of off field distractions.
While on field he is intolerable to faint hearts and a lack of effort. His standards of discipline are discernible.
His mantra is obvious and will continue to provide the Saints with the inspiration to succeed.
Just how far they can go only time will tell.
This years premier will be either Collingwood, Geelong or St Kilda. May the best team win.
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