Finals Week three preview

Oh my goodness the second last weekend of the season is here! Who would have thought. This is a big week to see who plays off in the 2009 AFL Grand Final. Nothing is ever as it seems and it could be a week which we will remember for quite some time! It could go the way that people think or the unknown factor could rear it's ugly head. What will it be?

St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs (MCG) Friday Night.
This game has the unknown factor. The Saints have been the best side all year and should go through to it's first Grand Final since 1997. But yet again will the "Bulldogs fight and Bulldogs roar" come into it to make it the first time that the Bulldogs have been in a Grand Final since 1961. Either way one of these two teams will have a chance of winning their second flag next week. Match ups are going to be the key, some people say in the midfield but I believe that it could well be against the St Kilda forwards after all Nick Riewoldt kicked five goals against Collingwood in the Qualifying final so that could be where the game is won. Both teams are co tenants of Etihad Stadium and don't get a huge amount of exposure to the MCG but I think at this stage that won't worry either side. It's just a matter of who will occupy the space better and get the most run. If the Dogs get their running game happening then they could be in with a good show, however if Lenny Hayes and Montagna get the most ball then they will win. I would say that St Kilda will win this by 26 points and go through to perhaps win their second premiership.

Geelong vs Collingwood (MCG) Saturday Night.
I wrestled with this game bigtime! There are so many factors that could turn this game either way. Collingwood played in that unbelievable semi final that saw John Anthony kick the goal to win them the game. They also played in tough warm conditions that could impact on them, to me it would just depend on how well they recover and if they spent a bit more time on recovery this time round. Geelong on the otherhand earned the week off by defeating the Bulldogs by 14 points and there were signs that the running and hard hitting Geelong were back. Both teams match up well and if Collingwood can come out like they did last year where they beat the Cats by 86 points then it could be their night however if Geelong doesn't allow that to happen and play their own game then Geelong will have a good night. It will be a tight game but I do believe that the Cats will prevail by 15 points to go into their third consequtive Grand Final.

Tough games. Any one of those four teams can make the Grand Final. Should be a awesome couple of games!

Catch Ya!