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.
Maryn
Guest
Think the saints' matchplan can handle the cats - especially in week one. Pies will account for the dogs. Both losers will make the prelims, with the saints beating the dogs - unleashing yet more whining, whilst I can't really seperate the pies & cats. And whoever wins will fail to kick a winning score against a saints team seeking redemption for the one that got away.
HK47
Roar Rookie
Riewoldt is the Saints best player, and Gram should have shared the Norm Smith with Chapman (I've hated countback systems, it always seems retarded) and saints will need them both firing to kick a winning score, even with their defense first mentality. With both of them back in form that helps them a long way towards winning the premiership. However, Collingwood's press, rotations and depth (along with victories over Geelong and St. Kilda) puts them in an Ideal position, and you cannot discount Geelong's belief and ability. The Bulldogs as well, although they must recover from this virus, and get their best 22 on the field, which unfortunately means dumping Johnson. Worry for Collingwood is the fact that their playing finals. In their last 6 finals, they've Lost to Geelong (twice), beat Adelaide (twice) and Lost to St. Kilda (twice). And they probably should have gone out in straight sets last year (worst umpiring desicion ever!)
Mega
Guest
Cats gotta hope Dogs improve so they can get third and therefore they'd play each other. Cats would wanna avoid Saints.
Footy Legend
Roar Rookie
Agree with this. Bulldogs were missing a few good players, such as Cooney and Harbrow. That said, I can't see anyone other than the Pies or Geelong winning the flag this year.
Republican
Guest
I don't reckon the Saints can win really. They rely too heavily on one or two players to score where as a team that can score across the playing personnel board, are more likely to adapt to any given game situation, especially under finals pressure. The Pies, Cats and Doggies have the diversity of fire power and are on my short list for the 2010 flag, despite the latters very poor showing v Geelong this weekend gone.
Tom
Guest
Facetious yes. Slightly no. Personally, I think one of only three teams can win the 2010 premiership.
Mega
Guest
I hope Hawks finish 8th and Freo 5th so they play an elimination final in WA. That'll be a fascinating game.
Justin Rodski
Guest
Being slightly facetious Tom? Maybe you can let us know which ONE team will win it then. I agree the Bulldogs have the talent but you have to wonder how much a belting like that will affect on their confidence against the top sides
Tom Dimanis
Roar Pro
I wouldn't write the Bullies off after one game with an understrength side. And I'm pretty sure most of those top four sides would love to avoid the Hawks too. If they can get going again they could prove troublesome.
beaver fever
Guest
Personally i dont think the pies will drop another game, although Collingwood are favourites, its not cut and dried and all top 4 teams will probably have their chances at one stage or another. All Victorian top 4, it was only a couple of years ago that Vic footy was all but written off, the draft has definitly evened things out, a good recruiting manager is more important than a coach these days.
Michael C
Roar Guru
agreed - this is eminantly possible. It's a whole new ball game come September, and that's the 4 weeks they need to be 'up' for. For StKilda - - they only need a top 4 finish and need their Riewoldt structures working.
Michael C
Roar Guru
that was my first though too, that along with that only 2 teams can squeeze into the GF itself.
Mega
Guest
Saints are timing their run perfectly though. Collingwood could have peaked too early.
beaver fever
Guest
Well i picked a Collingwood/Bulldogs granny, its still possible i guess. St kilda cannot win it IMO. Geelong may run out of legs, so i picked the 2 best running teams.
Mega
Guest
Don't right the Dogs off yet. Just copped a bad week with injuries and Cats exploited the weakness.
Tom
Guest
Actually, I'm pretty sure only one team can win the premiership. Unless they've changed that rule too.