So, is Collingwood the favourite for the flag? All this would be fine if it were not for the round 24 game of Collingwood and Geelong. Geelong have ended the home-and-away season second on the AFL ladder and they thumped the Pies 8.5.53 to 22.17.149 last Friday. The Pies had no answers from the second quarter onwards as the Cats dominated in every aspect of the game. What this all means for the Pies is unclear. Their game this Saturday against West Coast (fourth on the ladder) will be the indicator of the direction in which they will be headed. What it means for the Cats is that they are ready to pounce on Hawthorn (third on the ladder) this Friday 9th.
All season, Carlton has shown promise of resurgence. They have been up and down all season and have been burdened with injuries. They still, however, have finished fifth and will take on eighth placed danger team, Essendon this Sunday. The Bombers have captured a few prized scalps this season, so don't discount them this week.
The big game is the St Kilda (sixth on the ladder) versus Sydney (seventh on the ladder) on Saturday. Both teams finished the season on 50 points and have been evenly matched. Both teams have the potential to upset the big names if they move through to next week's finals.
The end result for us, the fans, is a few great weeks of AFL with each game a gem.
AFL Grand Final Church Service
For people in Melbourne for the AFL Grand Final, Scots' Church, corner of Collins & Russell Streets, has its AFL Grand Final Service on Wednesday 28th September at 1.00 pm. This year Major Brendan Nottle, Chaplain of Collingwood Football Club will share a life message. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to wear their team scarf. A sausage sizzle will be held on the day in Collins Street and the replica Premiership Cup will be on display in the church. scotschurch.com/whats-on/details/575-grand-final-service