We’ve waited (more than) long enough. Finals are here, and there are some super intriguing matchups in the first week.
I’ll be previewing every final on the morning of the match right here on The Roar, but here’s the short version of what I reckon is on the way.
More AFL Finals
» Finals forecast: Adelaide vs GWS
» Adelaide vs GWS preview
» Crystal Ball predictions from the team
GWS can upset Adelaide on Thursday night. It won’t be the end of the Crows’ premiership aspirations though, and might even be better for them.
Geelong have defeated Richmond thirteen times in a row since the Tigers last beat the Cats. It’ll be fourteen on Friday night.
Essendon are arguably the scariest team Sydney could face, since they got within a point of them not that long ago – but the Swans are men on a mission and will get the job done.
Port Adelaide at home will be too good for a West Coast side that is fortunate – and probably still a bit surprised – to be here.
But why stop at this week? I’m going to think a bit ahead here and put down my entire finals bracket, which surely will tempt faith enough for the footy gods to ruin it tonight at the first pass.
Adelaide defeated by GWS.
Geelong defeat Richmond.
Sydney defeat Essendon.
Port Adelaide defeat West Coast.
Adelaide defeat Port Adelaide.
Sydney defeat Richmond.
Geelong defeated by Adelaide.
GWS defeated by Sydney.
Sydney defeat Adelaide in the grand final.
It’ll be one wild ride of a finals series if all that comes off!
(Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images)
Cameron Rose
Adelaide, Richmond, Sydney, Port Adelaide
It’s just too hard to tip against Adelaide to open the finals, especially at home, and with the Crows having a 2-0 record over GWS under Don Pyke. Adelaide will out-pressure the Giants across the ground, and have too many scoring options going forward.
Richmond and Geelong both go into their final with momentum, the Tigers having won six of seven, and the Cats off three wins in a row including over Richmond and GWS.
Geelong had a decisive home ground advantage in their Round 21 clash, both dimensions of the arena and through the “noise of affirmation”.
The bigger ground should suit the faster Tigers, and any wet weather won’t harm their chances either. Richmond to win a tight one.
Sydney should have the easiest task of all the favourites, though Essendon can win if they do a lot of things right. The Swans run won’t be over just yet.
West Coast hold an imposing Adelaide Oval record, and certainly won’t fear Port, but the Power have won four of their last five, and should win without too much trouble.
| Finals week 1 | Josh Elliott | Maddy Friend | Tim Lane | Cam Rose | The Crowd |
| ADE vs GWS | GWS | ADE | GWS | ADE | ADE |
| GEE vs RIC | GEE | GEE | GEE | RIC | GEE |
| SYD vs ESS | SYD | SYD | SYD | SYD | SYD |
| PA vs WCE | PA | WCE | PA | PA | PA |
| Last week | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Total | 116 | 117 | 123 | 126 | 123 |
Geoff Schaefer
Guest
Couldn't agree more Brayden. Just saying if we lose it would be nice to inflict some horror on the swamp monkeys.
Brayden Rise
Roar Pro
Geoff, a win over GWS and we sit with a home prelim final and Sloane back, our best shot at a grand final in some time....so important to get this first win.
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
This final series I cant wait until tonight when it starts,because anything can happen.theres going to be alot of ifs and buts a lot joy and a lot heartache for sides to go all the way to the Grandfinal. 2017 finals series should another close one.let the games begin.
Jack
Guest
Hmm, I thought he coached well in last game, know what you're saying though. He comes across as a bit bland 'nice guy' coach and certainly has been predictable and often too transparent with his moves or revolving door of same old players. Like Sam, just have a feeling after their last embarrassing and speedy exit from finals, they all have a point to prove and will bring (and spring) something different? no guarantee of a win of course but promises to be an all out demolition derby!
Jimmy
Guest
By 'pathetic record of finals losses' are you referring to Richmond having not been able to win a single final since 2001? Out in straights.
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
Simpson is capable of surprises when it comes to coaching. His tactics and strategy is just so bland and predictable.
Sam
Guest
Re Eagles v. Port. naturally, a lot of press in Perth, while Port seem relatively quiet, springing an ambush perhaps? I'm pretty sure Eagles wont be rolling over in this game, they'll come out blazing for four quarters. but Port have the home-ground advantage of their INXS song and scarves?????? Something tells me Simmo will spring some surprises.
hal
Guest
Yes I agree that we will beat Richmond. I think by 24 points. Taylor did an excellent job on Rance last time because he is a natural defender. I don't think he will be on Rance this time as Hawkins is back. Last time we met Richmond's high kicks out of the back line played into our hands. Other games: my heart says Essendon but Sydney will win. Adelaide will win. Port front runners v West Coast down hill skiers: who cares but I am tipping the Eagles as they have a good record against Port, even in Adelaide.
randoiu
Guest
1. geelong gets more members which means more fans 2. tigers will go out in straight sets because they cant win finals 3. they havn't beat the cats in 13 attempts 4. media has said this is as fired up as geelong has been for any finals campaign 5. geelong by 5 goals
Brayden Rise
Roar Pro
I don't think you will smash them but I do think the Tigers will win by 4 points and book yourselves a preliminary final berth. Bombers to upset the Swans.
The Ghost
Guest
Richmond will smash Geelong tomorrow night with our 70k Tiger Army cheering us on. The fairytale has begun as the mighty Tigers carry the hopes and aspirations of all (non Geelong and non Essendon) Victorians on our backs. The perennial grand final chokers will continue the pathetic finals record of the bummers. West Coast will kick Port out of the finals race. Adelaide will beat the Giants.
tibor nagy (big four sticks)
Guest
Free barrel down at the Spread Eagle on Friday night after we knock off the Cats. We may have an abysmal record against Geelong in home away games, but when it comes finals we have the wood over Geelong, sans 1995. We will be heading towards a preliminary final. They know we are coming!
Lance Skelton
Roar Pro
The Swans hey? That would be an incredible result after where there were from 0 and 6. Essendon first though.
Jewels
Roar Rookie
As a passionate Swans fan, I love your full finals predictions Josh and hope you've suddenly become psychic!
Geoff Schaefer
Guest
As a Crows fan I'd obviously prefer to go straight to the preliminary final. But if a loss sets up the possibility of flogging Port the following week, that would be some consolation. Providing we won of course. Should the alternative happen, I shall pack my bags to move to Outer Mongolia and tend goats until next season...