Going into the first week of finals, I take a look at who could be the difference for your team this weekend. Each team has a number of threats, but who is most likely to be the difference in the crucial moments?
Hawthorn
Isaac Smith: All I could think about was his goal in last year’s grand final which was arguably the sealer. If he’s getting the ball on the outside and striding down the wings, pumping the ball inside 50, it’s likely the Hawks will be leading.
Honourable mention: Luke Hodge
MORE AFL FINALS:
>>Roar Expert tips and predictions
>>Sydney Swans vs Fremantle Dockers preview
>>Hawthorn Hawks vs Geelong Cats preview
>>Port Adelaide Power vs Richmond Tigers preview
>>North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Essendon Bombers preview
Geelong
Steve Johnson: There has been debate this week among footy circles whether the Cats even have a chance against Hawthorn if Johnson doesn’t play. Johnson gives that extra spark and another headache for opposition coaches.
Honourable mention: Steven Motlop
Sydney
Lewis Jetta: There are numerous memorable final moments where Jetta looked like he put Sydney in overdrive especially in 2012. Pick your favourite; his running goal against Collingwood in the 2012 preliminary final or evading Cyril Rioli in the grand final. When Jetta’s off the chain, the Sydney machine is operating smoothly.
Honourable mention: Daniel Hannebery
Fremantle
Hayden Ballatyne: The small forward showed why he is a game changer last weekend. His four goal second half was crucial in Fremantle’s season defining win over Port Adelaide. When he is not on song, Fremantle are in trouble just as we saw in last year’s grand final – when he kicked 0.2.
Honourable mention: Michael Walters
North Melbourne
Andrew Swallow: I wasn’t sure who to state as the Kangaroos’ game changer, because the blue and white struggled to stop opposition momentum especially in the first half of the season. I went with Swallow because of his last quarter against Adelaide in Round 22.
He had some crucial contested possessions and clearances. He showed his ability to stand up, which is why he is North’s captain.
Honourable mention: Drew Petrie
Essendon
Paul Chapman: Picked himself for this selection due to his Geelong days. He was one of the reason’s Geelong defeated Port Adelaide last year, which was their last final they won and only final win since 2011.
If he kicks two goals within one quarter, it’s guaranteed Essendon will have unrelenting momentum. Every game Chapman has kicked more than three goals this year, the Bombers have won.
Honourable mention: Jason Winderlich (due to his recently found versatility and game against West Coast) and David Zaharakis (always seems to be in the right spot when a goal needs to be kicked.)
Port Adelaide
Chad Wingard: The best example of Wingard turning a game on its head this year would be Round 8 against Fremantle when he kicked five goals. He hasn’t influenced big games this year as much as he did in 2013, but if he is plays an A-grade player’s game to get the Power through to week two of the finals, Port Adelaide fans would be quick to forgive.
Honourable mention: Hamish Hartlett
Richmond
Dustin Martin: Early in the season when Richmond were struggling, Martin was the only player keeping the Tigers competitive in some games. In the second half the year Martin kicked clutch goals to lead Richmond to victory – such as Round 23’s match against Sydney and Round 21’s win against the Adelaide Crows.
Honourable mention: Brandon Ellis
Who will have the heaviest influence on the finals in next weeks?
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