Week two of AFL finals action dished up two very contrasting, yet intriguing matches, both played on the hallowed MCG turf.
On Friday night the young and fearless Fremantle side took on the all-conquering team from Geelong. The Cats were determined to make amends for their narrow defeat to St. Kilda last week, the result being a 69 point walk in the park for the reigning premiers. Geelong practically had the game won by quarter time. Dominating their opponents with ruthless efficiency, they happily took a comfortable 42 point lead into the first break and never looked back. After this point the Cats hit the cruise button, controlling the match and playing it out on their terms. A number of Geelong players were able to get themselves back into good form, namely Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood, who both had very rare quiet game against the Saints. This match spelt the end for the Dockers, a side not expected to achieve what they did in 2010. They can certainly hold their heads high and be extremely optimistic about the clubs future.
Saturday night saw a much closer and more heart stopping contest, played out between Sydney and Western Bulldogs, with the Dogs holding on for a nail-biting 5 point victory. Both sides had control of the match at different points of the night, yet neither had the ability to shut the game down. The match was on a knifes edge as the final quarter began, with scores level, both teams had an opportunity to steal the game. Big Bad Barry Hall proved to be the difference, kicking 4 goals in a best-on-ground performance, while Daniel Cross was instrumental during the Bulldogs come from behind triumph. Sadly, the Swans loss spelt the end of inspirational skipper Brett Kirk’s illustrious career. Kirk played the game with brilliant courage and was one the league’s best leaders on and off the field. Sydney also says goodbye to retiring coach Paul Roos after 9 years of excellent service, including leading them to the 2005 premiership. These two legends of the game will be sorely missed by the club.
So we look ahead to next week, where two mouth-watering match ups await us to decide who will contest the 2010 AFL Grand Final.
With the big win, Geelong set up a Friday night blockbuster against the top of the table Magpies. These two teams have been the standouts this season, losing just 10 games between them, and tipping a winner may prove to be a difficult task. Both teams boast an elite midfield group, and both have their share of match winners. Sit back and enjoy this contest, as it is sure to be a classic.
The Bulldogs face a very tough task on Saturday night against the sublimely skilled St. Kilda unit. Injuries have ravaged the Dogs run towards the finals, with Brownlow medalist Adam Cooney and rugged defender Dale Morris both missing in action. Previous encounters between these two teams have been both low scoring and very close, but the Saints will be well rested after their week off and deserve to be hot favourites in this matchup.
The last Saturday in September, a day so many Australians look forward to and cherish, is almost upon us. Start cleaning your barbecue and filling your esky, I have a feeling this day will be special.