Rob's Thoughts

Semi Final Weekend

If you don't want to know the results of the weekend, stop reading now.

There is a certain predictability to the AFL's current finals format.  It makes it very likely that the clubs in the 5th thru 8th positions will have to play very exceptional football two straight weeks to make it to the Preliminary finals.  I suppose that's reasonable.  Things seem to be going to form in that respect.

The Power seemed to wake up again and played a solid match against Essendon.  The Essendon list, despite the magic of it's legendary coach, is getting long in the tooth and is most likely due for an overhaul.  Port took advantage of their greater youth and home ground advantage and played good footy.   Be sure to check out the photo essay on that match from AFANA's photographer.  

Meanwhile, up in Brisbane, the home advantage of the Gabba is very real.  That the Lions outrated Rugby on the telly there says much about how far footy has come.  That and motivation to make a real go at three in a row were more than enough for Brisbane to end the Crows season.  When their midfield is dominant, they remain formidable.  

Next weekend we see the four clubs that would have, on the basis of the 22 home and away matches, expected to be here but not matched up the way we might have originally predicted.  In my mind that has played into the hands of Collingwood to some degree.  On the other hand, if Port was to somehow regain it's form of July and August, it will be some battle at the MCG come Saturday.  I like Collingwood to win but only on the basis that Malthouse is the experienced coaching hand.  

In the other match, you have all the makings of history.  For one, Sydney is playing in the expanse of an Olympic stadium in front of what may well be the largest crowd of this season, and will try to repeat it's 1996 glory.  On the other you have Brisbane, which is trying to make it's own history by winning 3 premierships in a row.  What I wouldn't give to be in Sydney this Saturday.  I like Sydney to win but I won't be surprised if they don't.  Sydney has not been a dominant home side in recent seasons.  

I will never forget listening to the 1996 Preliminary final on the shortwave radio while laying in bed in the early hours of the morning.  When the winning goal was kicked, I cheered so loudly I awoke my sleeping partner.  (She was not amused!).  I hope this coming weekend is every bit as exciting.

All this means that the Grand Final is almost here.

-Rob (who is ready for the excitement to start)