The Serve

The Big 5: AFL Round 19

 

The new race for the final spot in September, the Kangaroos missed opportunity and the half time melee infront of the kids. These provide the big 5 questions for AFL round 19

5. Which team will finish eighth?

Of the five teams in the running for that final spot, none have a cruisy draw. St.Kilda can probably control their own destiny better than any of the others. The Saints play Fremantle at the Dome this week, surely a dealbreaker for both teams, then host West Coast before Richmond. Adelaide have to get past three teams, but home games against the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane can probably knock those teams out, while the final round against a spluttering Collingwood is definitely winnable. The Saints and the Crows have the inside running.

4. Which team would pose the most danger if they finished eighth?

The Bulldogs have gone to sleep, while Brisbane showed they can have limitations, so that leaves three. Adelaide was the equal of Geelong for the final three quarters yesterday, Fremantle are dangerous but eighth means they’d be traveling. St.Kilda are close to full strength now and look the most likely to go beyond the first week of the finals.

3. Should half time Auskick matches be scrapped?

No way. Perhaps we shouldn’t be so eager to get them on the field, however the experience for those scores of kids cannot be taken away, because of one melee. That was a good stink though. Nothing wrong with having little Auskick-ers now aspiring to be Jonathan Brown.

2. Have the Roos missed the chance?

The Kangas didn’t do themselves any favours, nor the rest of the competition. The last thing anyone wants is West Coast to finish in the top two, ensuring home ground advantage throughout. As for the Kangaroos, they can walk away knowing they can compete if they kick straight, but next is Geelong. The Kanags are as good a chance as anyone to end the streak, but lose that the top four is gone.

1. Are the Cats showing any sign of cracking?

There’s a killer instinct at Geelong, which was evident during the Crows game and after. Adelaide enjoyed periods of dominance in the second and third terms, couldn’t quite take advantage, with the Cats ruthlessly putting them away at first opportunity. Geelong is not going to wheel and deal in every game, especially finals, but their patience was impressive. As was Mark Thompson’s promise not to rest players, even with the minor premiership assured. They like the taste of blood.