The Soaring

I’ve got to say I believe we’re in for a cracker of a finals series, particularly gauging my the games in week one.

My tips for week one of the finals:

• Melbourne vs. St Kilda - apart from our game this one is one that excites me the most. Great match up of some pretty hard at it midfields (Ball, DalSanto, Harvey vs. McDonald, McLean, Bruce), some unfashionable defenders (Carroll and Hudgton), some dashing runners (Gram, Goddard vs. Whelan, Pickett) and some big name forwards (Neitz, Robertson, Davey vs Reiwoldt, Gehrig, Koschitzke). I tip the Saints, just.
• Adelaide vs Fremantle - huge game again. The resurgent Fremantle on the back of 9 in a row but with no finals experience up against the seasoned but injury riddled Crows at home. How much of a factor will finals experience and the home ground advantage favour Adelaide? When will Fremantle’s bubble burst? Who knows. Another coin toss, I think Adelaide will prevail.
• West Coast Eagles vs Sydney - we all know what to expect. It will be one tough game. We are at home and in better shape than last September but Sydney are the reigning premiers and are never to be discounted. I have to tip us, but not with any confidence.
• Collingwood vs Bulldogs - the final game should be another ripper. Collingwood have won three in a row but not without some shaky moments. The Bulldogs you’d suggest have overachieved the whole season. It’s Collingwood’s experience vs the Dogs emotion. I favour the Pies, marginally.

Enjoy the games!