Ian ConstantineAFL: Finals prediction...
September 4th 2006 03:47
My Finals Prediction….
Game 1 St Kilda vs Melbourne
In my estimation, St Kilda have been the strongest Victorian based team all year. Melbourne were undoubtedly stronger off the mark, but once again find themselves destined for a first week exit in September. Melbourne have been playing terribly of late, winning just 2 of their last 7 matches. They have mirrored their 2004/2005 seasons with inconsistent performances, peaking too early in the year. They have potentially the most lethal forward line in the competition but lack of support means they don’t get the ball there often enough.
St Kilda will surprise and make it far in the series, and will win comfortably on Friday night.
Saints by 40
Game 2 Adelaide vs Fremantle
Tough game to pick but I’m going with the Dockers. Adelaide haven’t been impressive of late while Freo have won a million on the trot. They smashed West Coast at Subiaco which tested their premiership credibility. This will be a really tight game and being held at AAMI doesn’t help the decision. With McLeod, Burton and Riccuito possibly out for the season in conjunction with the poor form being displayed by the team, one just has to pick the younger brother team of Perth.
Dockers by 10
Game 3 West Coast vs Sydney
This is being billed as ‘déjà vu’ of last year yadda yadda boring. West Coast and Sydney both dominated on the weekend, and displayed why many commentators think that whoever wins this match will take home the flag. I personally don’t agree because anything can happen in September and to declare that is a load of rubbish. Sydney generally don’t mind taking to the field at Subi, they’ve been very competitive there over the past 2 years, going down by very close margins. Goodes is in fine form as are Kenelly, Hall and O’Keefe, they are peaking at the best time. However the dominant Eagles have Kerr, Wirrpanda, Embley and Hansen returning from injury, a midfield which is undoubtedly the best in the competition and an ever improving forward line. Got to chalk this one up to the minor premiers.
West Coast by 7
Game 4 Collingwood vs Bulldogs
This is a nothing game for me. It may end up being close, but it just won’t draw the same attention as the other games in the round. The Bulldogs have made the finals for the first time since 1723 and the maggies are looking in decent touch. A good win on the weekend over an emotionally charged Kangaroos outfit leans me toward them. However, Scott West has been playing amazingly and various concerns within the Collingwood ranks is going to lead me to tip an upset.
Dogs by 22
Game 1 St Kilda vs Melbourne
In my estimation, St Kilda have been the strongest Victorian based team all year. Melbourne were undoubtedly stronger off the mark, but once again find themselves destined for a first week exit in September. Melbourne have been playing terribly of late, winning just 2 of their last 7 matches. They have mirrored their 2004/2005 seasons with inconsistent performances, peaking too early in the year. They have potentially the most lethal forward line in the competition but lack of support means they don’t get the ball there often enough.
St Kilda will surprise and make it far in the series, and will win comfortably on Friday night.
Saints by 40
Game 2 Adelaide vs Fremantle
Tough game to pick but I’m going with the Dockers. Adelaide haven’t been impressive of late while Freo have won a million on the trot. They smashed West Coast at Subiaco which tested their premiership credibility. This will be a really tight game and being held at AAMI doesn’t help the decision. With McLeod, Burton and Riccuito possibly out for the season in conjunction with the poor form being displayed by the team, one just has to pick the younger brother team of Perth.
Dockers by 10
Game 3 West Coast vs Sydney
This is being billed as ‘déjà vu’ of last year yadda yadda boring. West Coast and Sydney both dominated on the weekend, and displayed why many commentators think that whoever wins this match will take home the flag. I personally don’t agree because anything can happen in September and to declare that is a load of rubbish. Sydney generally don’t mind taking to the field at Subi, they’ve been very competitive there over the past 2 years, going down by very close margins. Goodes is in fine form as are Kenelly, Hall and O’Keefe, they are peaking at the best time. However the dominant Eagles have Kerr, Wirrpanda, Embley and Hansen returning from injury, a midfield which is undoubtedly the best in the competition and an ever improving forward line. Got to chalk this one up to the minor premiers.
West Coast by 7
Game 4 Collingwood vs Bulldogs
This is a nothing game for me. It may end up being close, but it just won’t draw the same attention as the other games in the round. The Bulldogs have made the finals for the first time since 1723 and the maggies are looking in decent touch. A good win on the weekend over an emotionally charged Kangaroos outfit leans me toward them. However, Scott West has been playing amazingly and various concerns within the Collingwood ranks is going to lead me to tip an upset.
Dogs by 22
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