West Coast and Fremantle sent out a clear message that the Victorian dominance of the AFL is about to slip away, as they steamrolled past last year’s grand finalists Hawthorn and Sydney.
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The western duo emerged with guns blazing to mow down the anticipated top dogs, creating a tantalising scenario that could well see them do battle in the first week of October in front of 100,000 fans at the MCG.
While Victorian fans shudder at the possibility of not having a Melbourne team in this year’s grand final, it will be a pleasant change for the game if the interstate sides can break the stranglehold.
Hawthorn and North are the only Melbourne survivors, while Sydney go into the double chance after being edged out by Fremantle, and Adelaide have snuck in from out of the blue.
Not even the best analysers of the game would have seen the Western Bulldogs, Adelaide or perhaps North Melbourne make the final eight. While I hoped that either the Tigers or Doggies would shock their fans and claim the flag which has eluded them for many decades, sadly it was not to be.
Richmond would be the most devastated out of the lot, promising much over the past three years but failing under finals pressure.
It is now down to the final six, as Hawthorn and Sydney confront Adelaide and North Melbourne respectively to win the right to challenge the Dockers and the Eagles in Perth for the qualifying final.
The scenario is enticing from an interstate perspective.
Reigning champions Hawthorn look vulnerable after a solid start to the season. Their performance against the Eagles lacked their customary sharpness and control, with the home team applying tremendous pressure to rattle the Hawks and take a 50-point lead at three-quarter time.
Unless they can reverse their catastrophic form when they confront a resurgent Adelaide Crows in Melbourne, Hawthorn’s fate will be sealed before the arduous challenge against minor premiers Fremantle.
There is an air of anticipation sweeping through the AFL, with the distinct possibility of a changing of the premiership guard.
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