Heavyweights Hawthorn and Geelong will clash in a blockbuster opening to an AFL finals series featuring fairytale finishers Richmond.
The Tigers booked the last available finals spot – eighth position – with a dramatic three-point away triumph against minor premiers Sydney on Saturday.
The Hawks and Cats clash in a qualifying final on Friday night at the MCG in a bumper opening to the finals series.
The Swans host Fremantle in a qualifying final on Saturday afternoon, with North Melbourne meeting Essendon in an elimination final at the MCG on Saturday night.
The Dockers pipped Port Adelaide for fourth spot and the precious double chance – no team has won a flag without it in the current finals format.
Port host the Tigers in an elimination final at Adelaide Oval on Sunday afternoon.
Richmond provide the feel-good subplot: nine consecutive victories clinched a play-off position after their season was on life support after slumping to three wins from their opening 13 games.
“It is unbelievable,” Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said.
“The credit has to go to our playing group. They have been incredibly brave … and never wavered in their belief they could get where we wanted to go.”
Fremantle sealed fourth spot by downing Port Adelaide by eight points in Perth on Saturday.
“It’s pleasing for the playing group that they get to have a genuine assault again,” Dockers coach Ross Lyon said.
“We go into (the finals) in good form … we respect everyone but nothing really holds any fears for us.”
The result meant Port finished fifth and missed the double chance, but Power coach Ken Hinkley preferred a positive spin.
“Today is perfect preparation … right now we are playing as good a footy as we have played all year,” Hinkley said.
North Melbourne finished sixth and will confront seventh-placed Essendon after the Bombers were involved in a dramatic draw against non-finalists Carlton on Saturday.
“It’s exciting to be in the finals and we’re there so we have got to try and keep it all positive and get them fresh,” Essendon coach Mark Thompson said.
“Everybody in the world knows that we can play good football. I just don’t know if we can play for a whole game.”
slane
Guest
I like to be succinct. Richmond are easily the least successful team in the AFL era. You are still a massive knob.
Winston
Guest
I wouldn't be too concerned about the Swans or Horse's management. I think it was important to make sure it was a tough game so the players are used to high intensity. Not that he would have wanted to be down 5 goals halfway through 1st quarter, but I don't think he would be too disappointed at the fact his team was presented with that situation either. I saw it as an audition for the 2nd string players. Buddy and Kennedy can slot straight back into their old roles, but it was important to see what the rest of the team could do. Hannebery is now back in form which is fantastic. Luke Parker is elite. And as much as it pains me to say this, they will regain Jeremy Laidler who is a much more solid medium sized defender say Shane Biggs. The biggest disappointment for me was Tom Mitchell. I can now see why he can't get a game despite getting 64 disposals in NEAFL. He continually butchered the ball. When Sam Reid was playing in front, he kicked it over his head. When Tippett was leading, his kicked missed and fell 2m in front forcing a 200cm guy to bend down to half volley it. His disposals are just way way way too crap.
TD
Guest
Good response - let me know how long it takes you to count all of Richmond's AFL premierships - use your fingers and toes - I forgot - also a good drafting side - Jarrad Oakley Nicholls and Richard Tambling anyone ;0)
Lroy
Guest
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Theres only one team Hawthorn dont want to play this week.. and thats GEELONG!!!!!!!!!!!! ha ha ha ha ha Swans versus Fockers looks to be an interesting tussle as well.. you'd have to think the Swans are huge favorites with their big guns all fresh and ready to go... Really I cant see the the Fockers beating them.. despite what Ross says.. as for the rest, well, we will probably see at least one "game of the seasons" but lets face it, 5-8 are just there to make up the numbers and swell the AFL coffers right?? so Kudos to the AFL for getting those few extra games for teams that have no chance whatsoever of winning a flag ;-) Im happy my team didnt make it.. they get an extra few weeks off leading into next year
Thomas
Guest
With their massive percentage the Eagles would have been a genuine threat in September. And they're clearly overdue as far as beating a side that's in the Eight when it matters.
Thomas
Guest
Rance looked rock solid, composed and was clean on an afternoon where not many others on either side were. I don't know that Tippett's lot was significantly better or worse than what other key forwards would cop and that problem could have been rectified by giving Tippett short bursts through the ruck, and/or directing traffic through Sam Reid. Have just checked the stats - 4 out of 7 marks were contested, his 6 rebound 50's was one less than Nick Malceski managed, he led the game in 1%'s and was on the field for every second. I'd think Deledio was better but it's hardly lunacy to put Rance's name forward for B.O.G honours. I wouldn't be too surprised if he gets Brownlow votes.
Axle an the guru
Guest
Mayby thats why people are booing him Warnie. There's been so many saying lately thats he is being booed because of his color, i disagree with them, maybe those people should open there eyes.
Axle an the guru
Guest
Thats a sign of a good side Oven, you need to make your opponent pay for turnovers.
Slane
Guest
Yup, pretty poor team. But you're still a knob.
TD
Guest
9 straight to make up the numbers - dominating wins over quality opposition like St Kilda and GWS - Umpire gifted win over Sydney - So exciting - No premierships in AFL history (not your second rate VFL) so less successful than Hawks, Pies, Cats, Crows, Port, Lions, Cats, Bombers, Blues, Swans, Seagulls - Yep mired in mediocrity with Saints and Dogs and the other VFL Dinosaurs - Oh we're from Tigerland - Not winning premierships with unintelligent fans - sing it with me - its catchy
steveng
Guest
yeah they always do, that was a gift as usual by the refs to make these crucial decisions that decide a game, but never mind, the swans will demolish all in the playoffs we are just building up to the finals and haven't reached our peak.
Peter Baudinette
Roar Guru
Hannebery has peaked just at the right time with a lazy 30odd
The Oven
Guest
The Freo v Port game was great quality, exciting footy, played by two very good teams putting it all on the line for fourth with the margin ending up being 8 points. The Sydney v Richmond game, although also close, was horrible! The number of times I watched some of the swans or Tiges kick to opposition players or some how kick it along the ground as a pass was ridiculous! Turnovers galore! Even though Richmond has a good record v port they had better not missfire. The last two games v Carlton and Freo - turnovers seem to be Ports main fuel source for goals.
Michael huston
Guest
Yeah they were only short match-ups, but it was evidence of Longmires willingness to switch around some players. It just wasn't the same Swans team. Kicks missed their target, the long bombs inside 50 were reminiscent of the first four rounds, we massacred the ball on the half back (usually our best area), we didn't man up 90% of the time. The only area I was pleased with was the tackling. Because of the fact we had the skills of an auskick team, I was at least pleased to see them giving effort in pressure. Parker was the shining light for me. He willed his team on when the rest were half asleep. He's a lock for the AA for me.
Michael huston
Guest
Different Port side. And how was Rance best on ground? Because he managed to mark all of them long bombs by the Swans way over the head of their target? Or because he managed to beat his direct opponent in Tippett who had one or two others playing on him as well?
Michael huston
Guest
Staging is a huge part of the game now. I reckon every player in the comp has been guilty of staging at least once in their life. I agree that Goodes exaggerates to ensure it's noticed, but you'll find that a lot of the time, they're warranted. Being Adam Goodes means you're held like buggery
Michael huston
Guest
Rich coming from a Freo supporter...
Shane Warne
Guest
Come on tigers beat those Swans and make the finals. By the way, does everyone get annoyed when Adam Goodes always "stages" for free kicks ?
Peter Baudinette
Roar Guru
Good win by the Tigers. Got the jump on them and managed to hold on. Of notable concern was the Swans inability to mark the ball inside 50m during the last 15min of the game. And the entries in, which were more often than not bombed in. You could look at the outs but as I have said in the past you have to be able to win with what you've got. I think you are over analysing some of those match ups Michael. Towers only went into the ruck during the last qtr after Naismith was subbed out with cramp. Tippet can't go into the middle as he can't bound in with his knee. Richard/Cotchin had little impact on the result, he didn't trouble the scoreboard when he rested forward. Rampe/Reiwoldt was a master stroke on the other hand. After three goals in the 1st, he only managed 1 after that. Really interested to see what Tigers can do from here. Yes they beat Port at home 6 rounds ago, during that period when Port has lost confidence and weren't playing well. The current Port is up and about. Looking forward to seeing what, if any, attention the Tigers pay to Travis Boak after his "I am sure he is enjoying the season they are having" comments in relation to Chaplin. You might just see a pre bounce melee. Wouldn't that excite the old faithful.
Troy
Guest
Tigers wouldn't be favourites against Port, but haven't been favourites in 5 of their past 9 games, and have managed to keep winning. They're a decent chance. If they win that would be a big ask to get over Freo or Sydney. But if they could win a final I think they'd be somewhat happy with the year in the end.