Footy has long been a survival of the fittest,never more so than in the finals. Here are the eight players I will have my eye on in September.
Wayne Carey and Alastair Clarkson have had their differences over the years,but North Melbourne’s greatest player and former “Clarko” teammate tells why he would command instant respect at Arden Street.
Collingwood fans are probably asking,“What more do we need to do?” and that’s a fair question.
The Blues have committed their future to a number of young stars,including Jacob Weitering,Sam Walsh and Harry McKay. While all very talented,there are some things they can do to that will help take their games to the next level.
When Geelong were smashed by Melbourne in last year’s preliminary final,the Cats were trending down. But the likes of Tom Atkins,Brad Close and Max Holmes have added pace and toughness,and they haven’t peaked yet.
When Andrew Demetriou took over as chief executive in 1998 – using all of the ruthlessness he did as AFL boss – the AFLPA became a real force. But now,the union is not serving the players the way it was originally designed to do.
Friday night’s match marks a crossroads for the Bulldogs and the Saints. St Kilda are a game ahead of the Western Bulldogs,but the Saints are,arguably,in a far worse position long-term.
Has David Noble really been given the best opportunity with the tools he’s been given? I don’t think so. But I’ve already been on record as saying it will be difficult for him to survive,so bad have the Kangaroos been this season.
I’ve got no doubt that Brodie Grundy has helped Darcy Cameron develop in his absence. But now it’s time for him to take a leaf out of his understudy’s book.
After a fortnight of controversy off the ground,we finally have some great football as a distraction.