By Liam Melrose and Ollie Nash

Overreaction to quarter-time argument
Still unsure what Chris Scott and the Brisbane players did wrong on Friday night. A few words exchanged, nothing physical, kept a nice distance while chatting, no obvious expletives that I could see (though I’m sure there was). I’m not saying that this has to happen every year, but if it happens now and then what’s the big deal? It’s a competitive game, we finally see players and coaches not acting like robots and we’re worried about the message it sends to lower levels? Those at the highest level clearly haven’t been to a country footy game in a long time, seniors or juniors. I’ve seen a club have a punch on between themselves post game in a match I played in. I think a small argument is fine at AFL level, because a lot worse happens at country level on a weekly basis.
Ollie Nash

The Lions are threatening but will they pounce?
Things went from bad to worse for the Brisbane Lions. After a shock loss to the Sydney Swans in round one, the Lions travelled down to Geelong in round two to face the Cats in one of footy’s hardest road trips. The Cats were all over the Lions early and it was beginning to look ugly, before a stunning comeback that should’ve been capped off with a win, however an umpiring decision that should’ve gone Brisbane’s way didn’t late in the contest, and the Cats ultimately held on. This meant the Lions now sat 0-2 after two rounds. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the Brisbane lockdown, the Lions are now stuck in Victoria for the time being, after originally only expecting to be in Victoria for their game against Geelong. In round three they were meant to face Collingwood at the Gabba, however they have been forced to take on the Magpies in Melbourne at Marvel Stadium instead. We know how good this Brisbane team can be at their best, but will they pounce on the Pies on Thursday night and get their season back on track? Or will they find themselves staring down the barrel of the dreaded 0-3?
Liam Melrose

Gold Coast dominance
I’ve really liked Gold Coast’s start to the season. West Coast kicked three goals to zero in the first two minutes of their clash in round one but the Suns stemmed the tide, rallied and went into three-quarter time a point in front. They were overran by a very good Eagles side at home, but they returned to smash a team that they should have in North Melbourne. A dominant performance which sets them up for a mouth-watering clash with the Crows at Adelaide Oval. A must win and one that could set up their season with Carlton, the Bulldogs, GWS and Collingwood to come in the next month. 
Ollie Nash

The Texan is back
Taylor Walker had an incredible start to the season in round one, kicking five goals in Adelaide’s upset win over Geelong. While many thought it was a one off for the superstar Crow, he backed it up in round two against the Swans putting together arguably a best on ground performance despite the Crows being thrashed by the Swans. Finishing with 6.3 it wasn’t just his six-goal haul, it was his intent that was most impressive with three of his goals coming on the back of holding-the-ball tackles that resulted in set shots. With Walker leading from the front and in strong form, this young Adelaide team will stand taller and potentially rise up the ladder quicker than expected.
Liam Melrose

The same old story at Tullamarine
Going into 2021 there was a lot of optimism from Essendon fans. After what many believed to be a strong off-season in the recruiting department, confidence started to arise out of the Hangar. Could they rise up the ladder? Could they play finals? We’ve only seen two games but it’s enough to suggest the Bombers likely won’t be playing finals in 2021 which extends the horror drought without a win in September for Bomber fans. With Ben Rutten taking over as senior coach external expectations weren’t high, and after being hit by a number of injuries to key players, many have put the cue in the rack for the Dons. I’m keen to see what the young Bombers can do over the next few weeks, it’ll be a key indication into how much talent this list is really armed with.
Liam Melrose

Melbourne entering dangerous Melbourne territory
The Demons are 2-0 and travel to Sydney for round three to face the floundering, backs against the wall GWS Giants. Melbourne fans should be confident yes? I bet not one single Dees fan is entering Sunday’s game without some form of stress. They played really well in round two against a strong St Kilda team, used the ball well inside forward 50 and overran the Saints late in the game. It was a joy to watch, but I won’t take them seriously until they can win a game they are meant to win.
Ollie Nash


Cover Photo: Sydney Swans

Danger chose to bump
People will argue all day about the fact Patrick Dangerfield’s bump on Jake Kelly was an accident, should he pay the price for a clash of heads, are accidents just part of the game etc. I don’t want to enter that argument. What I do want to talk about is his argument that he braced for contact and didn’t initiate the bump. That is a flat out lie and any angle you watch of the bump will back me up. Kelly hand-balled the ball, Dangerfield took a step and went through him. I never played at AFL level, but I’ve played enough footy to know that he had time to slow down and not bump. There was time to try and tackle, there was time to try smother the handball. The argument about whether we should suspend an accidental outcome will never end, but the argument on whether he chose to bump or not, that’s crystal clear.​
Ollie Nash

New season same round one story for the Blues
Richmond have played Carlton in round one every year since 2008. While Carlton won each round one clash from 2008-2013, they haven’t defeated the Tigers in the season opener since 2013. Over the last couple of years going into the clash we’ve expected the Blues to be competitive with Richmond. They often have been but the power of the Tigers who have been the best team in the league since 2017 always manage to get the job done and go home with the four points. However, this year many people expect the Blues to make that transition from the lower half of the ladder into the top eight or at least go very close. While Carlton stayed with Richmond for a majority of the match on Thursday night it was the same as every other year for the Blues. After halftime, they manage to be within two goals and look like they might cause an upset before Richmond pile on 4-5 goals and suddenly it’s game over. While I expect Carlton to continue to improve in 2021 it was the same old story for the Blues in round one. They looked better … but not quite there just yet.
Liam Melrose

Cygnets fly high to stun the Lions in the Sunshine State
Sydney unveiled three debutants in Logan McDonald, Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden to open their 2021 campaign against the Brisbane Lions. It was a huge test for the young Swans taking on a team who had made a preliminary final in 2020. Going into the game no one expected Sydney to get past the Lions, however it was the youth of the Swans who turned it on and powered them past the Brisbane. McDonald, Campbell and Gulden looked right at home in particular Errol Gulden who was nominated as round one’s rising star. Finishing with 19 disposals, 10 marks and three goals, it was his efficiency by foot that caught the eye making him look like a 100-game player. McDonald also looked really good for Sydney kicking three goals. As well as the debutants Sydney has an array of young talent who we have seen over the last couple of seasons. Chad Warner in just his third game looked really slick as an inside midfielder finishing with 19 disposals, Sam Wicks kicked two goals in his eighth game while midfielder James Rowbottom looks set for a breakout season. If the Cygnets can continue this level of form throughout the season they’ll win a lot more games than people think. The future is extremely bright in the Harbour City.
Liam Melrose

Treloar reaction over the top
This whole narrative from past players that Collingwood were poor for not making life more uncomfortable for former teammate Adam Treloar on Friday night is idiotic. For five seconds Tyler Brown shook hands, hugged and said good luck to a former teammate. Are we really saying that he, as a professional athlete, would not then play at 100 per cent, tackle him hard and make life hard for him throughout the game? Who cares what happens before and after the final siren? For two hours Brown and his teammates would have played at 100 per cent as they do every week. If Treloar was there to be tackled, they’d do everything they could to tackle him. If he deserved to cop some lip, I’m 110 per cent sure he would cop just as much as any other player. The response to this throughout the week from former players trying to prove how tough they and their generation were has been embarrassing.
Ollie Nash

Debutants galore
Every so often the AFL has a year where players debut and fans can see the next crop of stars clear as day. Matt Rowell was a perfect example, Chris Judd the same back in the early 2000s. Like when Port Adelaide’s trio of Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma debuted, Sydney’s trio of Logan McDonald, Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden created such excitement and foreshadowing of the future. It’s not often debutants come into a side and look comfortable immediately, but they did. Matt Flynn at GWS was the same, adapting well to the wet conditions for a big man and having an impact. James Rowe wanted every part of the moment on Saturday and got it, injecting life into an Adelaide side that was lifeless for most of 2020. Anthony Scott and Lachlan McNeil at the Bulldogs and Nikolas Cox at the Bombers were others I can't wait to watch more of. There were others across the round, but like when Sam Walsh debuted against Richmond in round one in 2019, we saw the future and it’s so much fun to watch.
Ollie Nash

The ruckmen stole the show to open 2021
A number of teams named new ruckman in their round one lineups. These included Tom Hickey (Sydney), Paul Hunter (St Kilda), Matt Flynn (GWS), Stefan Martin (Western Bulldogs). While each of them played well it was Martin, Flynn and Hickey who performed arguably the best out of all the rucks across the competition in round one. Martin looked right at home at his new club. He finished with 15 disposals, six clearances and a goal however, he stopped one of the premier ruckman in the competition in Brodie Grundy who has monstered the Bulldogs previously. Hickey was equally as impressive for the Swans finishing with 23 disposals and nine clearances. Flynn was huge for the Giants in his long -awaited AFL debut taking the opportunity with both hands finishing with 18 disposals and 34 hit-outs.
Liam Melrose
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Cover Photo: Michael Wilson/AFL Photos/Getty Images

By Liam Melrose and Ollie Nash

Footy's back ... just like that the 2021 AFL season has rolled around, and it looks to be as exciting as ever! For AFL fans this morning might feel similar to how Christmas morning feels when you're young, you're hoping Santa has brought everything you wished for, and in an AFL sense you're filled with optimism hoping everything goes right for your team in 2021. 

It genuinely feels like we missed the 2020 season with hardly any football in Victoria, so there's an extra special feeling about this year. Liam Melrose and Ollie Nash have put together their Crystal Ball for season 2021, check out their predictions below!

AFL history is littered with teams that have let chances at premiership glory slip through their fingertips. Watching a replay of Greater Western Sydney's 2016 Preliminary Final loss jogged my memory on the subject. They defeated minor premiers Sydney in a qualifying final, setting up a home preliminary final against the seventh placed Western Bulldogs, all while having a stacked line-up on the field. The opportunity was there, but they missed it, losing to the Dogs. There are so many more examples. Teams that have dominated the regular season but fell on the big stage. Teams that have dominated play in a grand final but kicked inaccurately or teams that were subject to some of the most dominant displays by an individual player in finals history. I've managed to cull the list to my top six.

1. 2008 Geelong
There haven’t been many more dominant teams in the modern era of the AFL throughout the regular season. The 2008 Cats were minor premiers, 21-1 with a percentage of 161.8, the best of a ladder leader between 1992 and 2020 except for Collingwood of 2011. They had seven All-Australians and three players finish in the top 10 in the Brownlow Medal count. Come Grand Final day however, against the youthful, up-and-coming Hawks, the Cats kicked 11.23 and lost by 26-points. Despite dominating large portions of the game and having nine extra scoring shots, a five minute third-quarter domination from Stuart Dew handed Hawthorn a five-goal advantage and broke the favourites. An all-time great grand final and an all-time missed opportunity by Geelong.  

2. 1998 North Melbourne
North Melbourne had a successful stretch throughout the mid to late 1990s; three grand final appearances, two premierships and a further three preliminary finals. Their golden opportunity to join the elite teams with a third premiership came in 1998, their second grand final appearance in three years. They finished the year minor premiers and eased their way through the finals with a 22-point win in the qualifying final and 30-point win in the preliminary final. Lucky for them, the remainder of the top four had been knocked out during the finals so on grand final day, they faced the fifth placed Crows, a team they’d beaten twice that season. North could only manage 8.22, kicking away a 24-point half-time lead and the chance to add a third flag to their dominant four-year period from 1996 to 1999.

3. 2009 St Kilda
St Kilda has a strong case to be number one on this list given the way they lost the 2009 and 2010 Grand Final’s. In the season’s entirety, 2009 was their biggest lost opportunity, however. Minor premiers, 20-2 record, five All-Australians and three players in the top nine of the Brownlow Medal count; a recipe for grand final success. A rainy grand final day is what met them however, not ideal for their key forward pairing of Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke. The Saints kicked 9.14 for the day and had three more shots on goal than Geelong, eventually losing by 12-points. They led by two, six and seven points at each respective break, but a 3.4 to 0.3 last quarter from Geelong handed them a two-goal win.

4. 2018 Richmond
After their surprise 2017 Premiership, Richmond backed it up by becoming the dominant side of 2018. Minor premiers with a record of 18-4 and an average winning margin of 37 points, it was all set up for the Tigers to go back-to-back. They made easy work of Hawthorn by 31-points in the qualifying final and came into a preliminary final against Collingwood raging favourites with two wins against the Pies throughout the season under the belt. It didn’t go to plan however. The Magpies led by 44-points at half-time and continued on to win by 39-points. American native Mason Cox kicked three goals and took eight contested marks to rip the game apart while Steele Sidebottom racked up 41 disposals. The Tigers have made up for the loss with back-to-back premierships, but 2018 was a year gone begging.

5. 2017 Adelaide
As a Richmond fan, I had taken a keen interest in how dominant Adelaide were during the 2017 season and leading into the grand final. They were minor premiers and had an average winning margin of 48.5 points in their qualifying and preliminary final wins. For the Tigers, who were just happy to be there, it was a recipe for disaster on grand final day, especially given their 76-point loss to the Crows in round six. We couldn’t have been more wrong though. After kicking 4.2 to Richmond’s 2.3 in the first term, Adelaide proceeded to kick 4.10 to the Tigers 14.9 for the remainder of the contest. A 48-point loss that has led to a quick decline for the club, claiming the wooden spoon in 2020.

6. 2003 Port Adelaide
​All the pain of 2002 and 2003 was made up for by Port Adelaide's 2004 Premiership, but it was looking dire for the Power at the end of 03'. For two straight years Port were minor premiers with an 18-4 record. In both years they lost home qualifying finals, won their semi-final match-ups then lost in the preliminary final. We focus on 2003 for this article though. They trailed Sydney by 44 points at half-time of the qualifying final, eventually losing by two goals. They made easy work of Essendon the next week but didn't fire a shot against Collingwood the next week, going down by 44 points. A second straight year as minor premiers and a second straight year not making the grand final. Worst case they could have had two premierships instead of the one, best case they could have become one of the historically best teams with three flags. 

Unlucky to miss - 1992 Geelong, 1999 Essendon, 2011 Collingwood, 2016 Sydney and GWS


​Cover Photo: ​​AFL Media

By Liam Melrose and Ollie Nash

The rollercoaster 2020 AFL season came to an end last weekend with Richmond claiming their third premiership in just four years. We've graded every top-eight team in part two of our 2020 AFL Report Cards.

Note: Ladder positions are in order of where each team finished at the conclusion of the 2020 AFL Finals Series. 

Richmond
 
2020 Ladder Position: Premiers
 
Grade: A+
 
Considering the off-field issues Richmond dealt with during the season, some in their control, some not, the 2020 premiership was one of their best yet. More than 100 days away in their hub and taking the long way through the finals, the Tigers found a way to jump every hurdle. They now join some of the competition’s elite teams in history, with their third flag in four years.  
 
MVP: Nick Vlastuin 
In a week where Dustin Martin is all the rave, as he should be with three Norm Smith Medals, it’s hard to not pick him for the MVP. However, the most consistent contributor all season and one stiff not to win Richmond’s Best and Fairest, was Nick Vlastuin. With key defender David Astbury out for a lot of the year and a young Noah Balta to help along, Vlastuin steadied the backline and provided plenty of offensive drive too. You could mount an argument he should have made the All-Australian team, but an inclusion in the squad was a nice feather in his cap.
 
Surprise Packet: Shai Bolton
In 2019 Shai Bolton became a really effective small forward, but 2020 saw him become a damaging midfielder in the absence of Dion Prestia. At just 21-years-old and with 28 games of experience coming into the season, you would be right in thinking he might not be up to such big midfield time so early. However, he quickly began dominating games with his penetrating kicking and good clearance work. One to watch for the future at Tigerland.
 
Best Win: Grand Final vs Geelong
It’s an easy pick considering it was the grand final, but the way the Tigers won the game made it their best win. Down by 21-points late in the second quarter, it took some Dustin Martin heroics to get the margin to 15-points by half-time and get Richmond back in the game. From there, the Tigers kicked nine goals to two in the second half to run away with the game 31-point winners. Their toughest grand final of the three and the most impressive.
 
2021 Barometer: 1st-5th
Can’t see a dramatic drop coming from the Tigers in 2021 and with all of their stars returning, a top four finish is the expectation once again. I expect the competition to be very even next year so it will be tough to back up for a fifth straight year, but first to fifth seems like the right range.
Ollie Nash

Geelong Cats
 
2020 Ladder Position: Runners-Up
 
Grade: A
 
The Cats got a lot right in 2020. They capitalised on their experienced list making their first grand final appearance since 2011. Unfortunately for Geelong fans, they fell one win short of a premiership. A strong finals performance was the pass mark for Geelong and they delivered, they were arguably the best team for a majority of the home and away season. While it looked as though they’d tired on the eve of the finals with a 26-point loss to Richmond in round 17, where they managed just one goal across the first three quarters of the match, they then came from behind to defeat the 16th placed Sydney Swans in a thriller in round 18 to just scrape into the top four. They opened their finals campaign with a 16-point loss at the hands of Port Adelaide, and many had written the Cats off for 2020. However, they managed to find their best football again in both the semi-final and preliminary final before falling in the grand final to Richmond.
 
MVP: Tom Hawkins
Hawkins rose to another level in 2020. The Coleman Medalist booted 49 goals and also led the league in both score assists and marks inside 50. It was Hawkins’ potency up forward that made the Cats so difficult to stop for a majority of the season. His consistency opened up the rest of the forward line, and while the 32-year-old Cat kicked 49 goals he setup many others as well. For a superstar forward that has already had a decorated career, 2020 may have been his best yet.
 
Surprise packet: Lachie Henderson
After being delisted at the end of 2019 by the Cats, Henderson was picked up by Geelong once again after a rookie position opened up through the departure of Ryan Abbott to St Kilda. A perfect example of a second chance, the key defender went on to play 14 of a possible 21 games in 2020. He put together a fantastic back half of the season as a reliable defender, something he has done throughout his career, and will likely earn himself a one-year deal as a result. 
 
Best win: Semi-Final vs Collingwood
While the Cats started as favorites going into their semi-final clash with Collingwood, a number of people believed they were done and they’d be knocked out of the finals in straight sets at the hands of the Magpies who had just come off a nail-biting win over West Coast in Perth. However, Geelong smashed Collingwood from the opening bounce in what was arguably their most complete performance of the season, running away winners by 68-points, and launching themselves right back into the premiership race. Tom Hawkins and Patrick Dangerfield combined for four goals each in an impressive display as the Cats kept the Pies to just one goal for the for the first three quarters. 
 
2021 Barometer: 1st-8th
It would be easy to say you’d expect Geelong to drop off given their ageing stars, however as they do every year they continue to bring in established talent. While Geelong have lost Gary Ablett to retirement, they've already signed three-time premiership Hawk Isaac Smith on a two year deal, they’ll also likely welcome superstar forward Jeremy Cameron and experienced midfielder Shaun Higgins through the doors at Kardinia Park. It’s hard to get a gauge exactly where in the eight the Cats will be next year, however they’ll feature in September regardless. 
Liam Melrose

Port Adelaide
 
2020 Ladder Position: 3rd
 
Grade: A+
 
Port Adelaide are a club that loves to set extremely high expectations. In 2020 with Ken Hinkley under the spotlight, the Power switched the lights on and performed, putting together their best season since 2014. At the beginning of the year Hinkley announced the Power were a premiership contender. While many dismissed the claim and laughed, Port Adelaide’s young core combined with star veterans to finish the home and away season atop the ladder with a win/loss record of 14-3. Port Adelaide hadn’t featured in the finals since 2017, finishing 10th in both 2018 and 2019. After defeating Geelong in the first week of the finals the Power set themselves up for a home preliminary final against Richmond, which they very well could have won, going down by one straight kick. They were very close to an unlikely grand final berth that no one outside the club expected going into 2020. Regardless of the loss it was an extremely impressive year, and they have well and truly set themselves up for a strong future. 
 
MVP: Travis Boak
The veteran midfielder is ageing like a fine-wine, finishing second in the 2020 Brownlow Medal count on the back of averaging almost 23 disposals per game along with five clearances. Boak finished the season with a third All-Australian selection, with the 32-year-old's stellar year playing a major part in the Power finishing on top of the ladder. It's hard to see him taking a backwards step in 2021, his leadership is invaluable for a club with such an abundance of young talent. 
 
Surprise Packet: Zak Butters
Amongst the trio of first-round picks selected by the Power in the 2018 National Draft that also included Connor Rozee and Xavier Duursma, going into 2020 you would have placed Butters as the third pick of the bunch. However, after a much-improved season from Butters it’d be hard to pick now. He rocketed into the 2020 All-Australian squad averaging over 14 disposals and showed he could go forward and kick goals. He is tenacious and hard at the football, and if this year is anything to go by this kid will be a star of the competition for years to come and maybe even a future captain of the club.
 
Best Win: Round 11 vs Richmond
The Power took on the reigning premiers in a goal for goal contest, trailing by a point going into the final quarter. Port lifted to another level kicking 3.4 while keeping Richmond scoreless to run away winners by 21 points. The victory announced to the rest of the league they were a definite contender in 2020. 
 
2021 Barometer: 1st-8th
With a young core as strong as Port Adelaide’s and their veterans continuing to perform, it’s hard to see them not finishing in the top-four in 2021. However, they have to put it all together again and show the rest of the competition that 2020 wasn't an outlier year. I’d expect them to finish in the top-four next season, however with the competition as even as ever a 5-8 finish wouldn't surprise me either. Regardless, the future is very bright at Alberton.
Liam Melrose

Brisbane Lions
 
2020 Ladder Position: 4th
 
Grade: B+
 
Anytime you make a preliminary final the season is definitely a tick; however, Brisbane can’t help but feel this was one they let slip. Had a really strong home and away season, losing just the three games and finishing second on the ladder on percentage. Their qualifying final win over Richmond seemed to be the coming of age game for the young side, however the preliminary final loss to Geelong was a disappointing way to end. A grand final appearance gives them an A-, so a B+ seems about right.
 
MVP: Lachie Neale
A pretty easy pick. Brownlow Medallist, AFLPA and AFLCA Player of the Year and Brisbane’s Best and Fairest winner. A superb year all round from Neale, racking up a lot of the football and hitting the scoreboard more regularly too. At just 27, there’s plenty of good footy to come from Neale and these Lions in the coming years.
 
Surprise Packet: Callum Ah Chee
He’s a player the AFL world has known about for a long time after four years at the Gold Coast Suns, but in 2020 he became a really damaging asset for Brisbane. Playing 18 games, he became the Lions Mr. Fix It, his speed and agility really impacting games throughout the year. Up forward or down back, Ah Chee played a significant role and will be valuable in their premiership tilt in the coming seasons.
 
Best Win: Qualifying Final vs Richmond
Entering the qualifying final against Richmond, Brisbane hadn’t defeated the Tigers in their last 15 attempts. Physically they went after the reigning premiers and didn’t take a backward step. Despite trailing at quarter time and Richmond’s best efforts to comeback in the last quarter, Brisbane were able to get over the hump, winning the game by 15 points and setting up a home preliminary final. 
 
2021 Barometer: 1st-5th
With age on their side and now two years-worth of finals experience, the Lions should be there abouts again. Similar to Richmond, top four is the expectation but given the evenness of the competition, fifth could be a possibility too. 
Ollie Nash

St Kilda
 
2020 Ladder Position: 5th 
 
Grade: A
 
The Saints made the finals for the first time since 2011 in a massive improvement for a club that has struggled to get things right since they last featured in September action nine years ago. St Kilda went after a number of established stars at the end of 2019 and they delivered. Paddy Ryder, Dan Butler, Bradley Hill, Zak Jones, and Dougal Howard were all brought in at the end of 2019 and all performed on a consistent level. As well as the recruitment of a number of players, the clubs brigade of youngsters continued to improve. Max King proved his promising potential showing he will likely be a superstar forward of the competition for many years to come. Nick Coffield, Hunter Clark and Ben Paton all improved again in 2020 and look to have established themselves in the Saints best 22. Things look as though they’ll improve again for the Saints in 2021 with a number of names being linked to the club as they look to increase the depth of their list. Combine this with their young stars flourishing and their recruits playing more games together as a group and the premiership window is starting to open again for St Kilda. 
 
MVP: Jack Steele
The 24-year-old midfielder went from a consistent player, often used as a tagger in previous seasons, to a superstar of the competition. Steele finished third in the Brownlow Medal tied with Christian Petracca as well as earning a maiden All-Australian jacket and his first Best and Fairest at the Saints. He averaged just under 22 disposals per game while being ranked in the AFL Stats Pro ‘Elite’ category for both contested possessions and clearances. It proved a masterstroke from new St Kilda coach Brett Ratten releasing Steele onto the ball and allowing him to freely win the football, as opposed to trying to stop the oppositions best midfielder. This played a huge role in the Saints improvement in 2020 and at 24 years of age he’s only going to get better.
 
Surprise Packet: Dan Butler
2017 premiership player Butler had fallen out of favour at Richmond, with St Kilda recruiting him from the Tigers at the end of 2019. The small forward was electric with his game breaking speed, kicking 29 goals in 19 games, as well as averaging just under four tackles per game. Butler has slotted in perfectly alongside Max King and Tim Membrey in the St Kilda forward line, and you can only see 2021 being another strong year for the speedy Saint.  
 
​Best win: Round 8 vs Port Adelaide 
St Kilda travelled to Adelaide to take on top of the table Port Adelaide in round eight. Going into the game the Power were 6-1 and the task of defeating them on their home deck in front of a small but loud Port Adelaide crowd wasn’t an easy one. However, the Saints put in arguably their best quarter of 2020 in the fourth term, kicking five goals to none to silence the Power faithful and show the rest of the competition they were the real deal in 2020. 
 
2021 Barometer: 4th-8th
After finishing the 2020 home and away season in 6th position, I expect the Saints to remain in that 4-8 bracket in 2021. They’re only going to get better, while top four may be slightly out of reach next year, I also can’t see them missing the eight. The Saints youngsters are beginning to excel while they also continue to attract the interest of established stars in the trade/free agency period, which will only improve their list and increase their depth. I love what Brett Ratten has brought to this club and with another year at the helm expect the Saints to feature in September once again in 2021. 
Liam Melrose

Collingwood
 
2020 Ladder Position: 6th
 
Grade: C

​2020 started in dominating fashion for the Pies but by the end of the season, they were a shadow of their early season selves. Some of it was out of their control, injuries the main one that really affected their continuity and form. Some was in their control, however. Their ball use forward of centre wasn’t up to standard especially given the talent they have inside forward 50. A feather in their cap is how they dealt with the hubs and all the adversity throughout the season. The Adam Treloar situation has potentially damaged their culture, however throughout the season it was second to none.
 
MVP: Taylor Adams
Taylor Adams has always been a great midfielder and a lead by the front type player for Collingwood. 2020 saw him put it all together on a consistent basis however, especially when the chips were down midway through the year. He averaged nearly 23 disposals per game which in shortened quarters is superb and went at 64 percent efficiency, no doubt an area of his game he worked on a lot. Rewarded with the Magpies Best and Fairest which was a great end to his best season to date.
 
Surprise Packet: Isaac Quaynor
I’ve always been a huge fan of Isaac Quaynor but in 2020 the footy world got to see him flourish on a consistent basis. Playing off half-back he was dynamic for Collingwood, breaking lines and showcasing his penetrating kick, making kicking the ball 60 metres look effortless. Despite a gruesome lower leg injury against the Swans in round 10, he still managed to play 11 games and pick up 13.5 disposals, more than two rebound 50s and close to 200 metres gained a game.
 
Best Win: Elimination Final vs West Coast
It was an easy pick for Collingwood’s best win of the year. Forced to quarantine in Perth for seven-days before the game and playing West Coast at Optus Stadium who were 7-0 at the venue entering the match, it was an impossible task for the Pies. A four goal to one opening term got the ball rolling though, thanks to three snags from Mason Cox to start the game. From there it was a tight struggle, leading by three and 10 points at half-time and three-quarter time respectively. Despite falling behind early in the last term and allowing late goals from Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling, the Magpies held on for the unlikeliest of one-point victories.
 
2021 Barometer: 5th-9th
My expectations on the Pies in 2021 has a lot to do with what happens this off-season. The news floating around the Adam Treloar situation isn’t good and with other popular senior players like Tom Phillips possibly on the way out, the comradery of the group will be questioned. This coupled with their inability to score consistently has me putting them just outside the top four and potentially missing the finals, considering the evenness of the competition next year.
Ollie Nash

West Coast Eagles
 
2020 ladder position: 7th
 
Grade: C+
 
2020 was disappointing for West Coast, there’s no way around it. Throughout the year it was Geelong, Richmond and the Eagles that were seen as the genuine flag contenders, ahead of Port Adelaide and Brisbane. With the inclusion of Tim Kelly, top-four was the expectation and it wasn’t met. Injuries didn’t help their case, but every team dealt with injuries in 2020, especially the premiers Richmond. They didn’t play well in the hubs, losing to the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Port early in the season to put them on the back foot. The two-point loss to the Western Bulldogs in round 16 put an end to their season in hindsight, forcing them out of the top four on percentage. The one-point elimination final loss to Collingwood at home wasn’t good enough and the Eagles will look back at this year as a chance gone begging. 
 
MVP: Nic Naitanui 
Nic Naitanui has experienced the worst lows of AFL footy. Two ACL injuries and missing out on playing in a premiership in 2018 is a tough pill to swallow. It makes his 2020 campaign even more impressive, winning his first West Coast Best and Fairest and dominating in the ruck more than we have ever seen. Rewarded with his second All-Australian nod and first since 2012, it’s great to see big Nic Nat back and firing every week.
 
Surprise Packet: Liam Duggan
Liam Duggan is already a premiership player and had played 85 games entering 2020. However, 2020 saw him become more of an accumulator off half-back and one of their go to users of the footy out of the backline. He averaged nearly career highs in disposals in shortened games and the second most rebound 50s of his career. Was rewarded with a fifth place finish in the Eagles Best and Fairest in one of the AFL’s toughest years.
 
Best Win: Round 9 vs Geelong
It was games like this nine-point win over Geelong that had experts riding the West Coast bandwagon. Down by 16 points at half-time and eight points at three-quarter time, the Eagles kicked 4.1 to 1.2 in the final term to send a warning to the rest of the competition. Gun midfielders Dom Sheed, Tim Kelly and Luke Shuey were all superb, while Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling kicked 6.1 between them. Considering some of the dominant games Geelong had over Port Adelaide, Collingwood and Brisbane throughout the year, this was an impressive win for West Coast.
 
2021 Barometer: 3rd-7th 
The Eagles aren’t going anywhere in terms of flag contention, especially if the season is semi back to normal and they can play at Optus Stadium every second week. With the evenness of the competition though that I’ve discussed and their slightly older list, a third to seventh finish seems more likely, but anywhere in the top four has them as a genuine premiership threat again.
Ollie Nash

Western Bulldogs
 
2020 Ladder Position: 8th
 
Grade: C+
 
There were high hopes for the Bulldogs going into 2020 with many experts and fans predicting them to finish in the top four. In short, it was a rollercoaster year for the club, filled with small winning and losing streaks. It was a horror start to the year losing their first three games, two of them by more than six goals casting some serious concerns. However, the Bulldogs picked things up in round four winning four of their next five, and there were times throughout the year where they showed us how good they could be at their best. Overall many would say it was a failed year for the club. For the second year in a row they were knocked out of the finals in the first week, something the Bulldogs faithful wouldn’t be satisfied with. Their midfield is one of the best in the competition but they still haven’t completely worked out who is best fitted in their key position spots up forward and down back. For a club that had high hopes in 2020, an elimination final exit only gets them a C+.
 
MVP: Tied - Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel
I have decided to go with a two-way tie. These two players are both deserving of the award as Jack Macrae had another extremely consistent year, while Caleb Daniel stood out claiming his first Best and Fairest and earning his first All-Australian selection. In a midfield packed with depth Macrae again shined as one of the Bulldogs best. Averaging just over 26 disposals per game in a year with shortened quarters is a remarkable average across 18 games. He averaged over 10 contested possessions per game and also 5.2 score involvements per game. Caleb Daniel continued his fairly consistent career, the 24-year-old averaging just over 20 disposals per game, however it was his efficiency with the ball that made his year so successful on a personal level. Going at 82.1 percent disposal efficiency it was rare the smallest player in the competition failed to hit a target. 
 
Surprise packet: Mitch Wallis
Before 2020 Mitch Wallis was already one of the best players at the kennel. However, it was his permanent move into the forward line that has granted his selection as the Bulldogs surprise packet of 2020. The 28-year-old went forward to kick 25 goals in 18 games, his consistency so reliable for the Dogs, and at times played out of the goal square as the Bulldogs struggled to work out their best formula inside their forward 50. He well and truly held his own at just 185cm. After a successful 2020 as a forward, expect Wallis to be parked deep inside the Bulldogs 50 again in 2021. 
 
Best Win: Round 16 vs West Coast
It was a low scoring affair at Metricon Stadium in front of just over 500 people. However, the 532 were treated to a Sunday night thriller. The Bulldogs had to win if they were serious about playing finals and it wasn’t a great start, with the Eagles kicking four goals to zero in the first quarter to lead by 22 points. After quarter-time the Bulldogs kicked six goals to the Eagles three, and if they were more accurate in front of goal (6.13), they may have won the game by more. Tim English was massive in the final moments of the match taking two game saving marks, while Caleb Daniel and Jack Macrae were superb as the Bulldogs scraped home to defeat the Eagles by two points.
 
2021 Barometer: 6th-12th     
The Bulldogs finished the home and away season in 7th position with it coming down to the final round just to scrape into the eight. In 2021, I expect them to be around a similar mark, however it wouldn’t surprise me if they are a team that gets squeezed out of the eight. They were incredibly inconsistent in 2020, but if they can fix that up next year then they’ll play finals. The midfield is incredibly deep however, their key position stocks are a shambles at the moment, and they need to work out who plays best in what position quickly otherwise they won't play finals next year. 
Liam Melrose

​You may hate us now but being a Richmond fan wasn’t always easy. This four-year run may seem like an eternity for some, but we’ve paid our dues.
 
For the first 19 years of my life I held a grudge against my old man for forcing my siblings and I into barracking for Richmond. He didn’t do much else wrong, but his choice in AFL teams was terrible at the time.
 
In simple words, the Tigers sucked. I was born in September of 1998, a year where we finished ninth on percentage. It should’ve been a sign of things to come. In 1999 we finished 12th and 2000 ninth. 2001 bought some hope, but I don’t remember it, being three-years-old at the time. We finished fourth and lost in the preliminary final to eventual premiers Brisbane. It was a quick fall back down the ladder, which is where we stayed for a long time.
 
In 2002 we finished 14th, 2003 13th, 2004 last, 2005 12th, 2006 ninth, 2007 last, 2008 ninth, 2009 and 2010 second last and in 2011 and 2012 12th.

Growing up in Ballarat, going to the footy in Melbourne was a big deal. Knowing our form and with young, passionate boys to look after, Dad would usually pick out some games Richmond were a chance of winning and take us to those. It sounds terrible writing that, but when you linger down the bottom of the ladder for so long, these decisions need to be made to keep the confidence of us young country supporters up.
 
The schedule was usually very similar. On a Saturday or Sunday morning, the family would be up early, us kids decking ourselves out in Richmond gear, while Mum and Dad would pack the lunches. We’d be treated to some hot chips to share at the ground, but with three young kids (eventually four), buying food for all of us at the footy was not viable for the folks.
 
In the car we’d jump and begin the hour and 20 minute journey to the MCG. It seemed no matter what route Dad took or how early we left, we always found traffic and were rushing across the outdoor carparks of the ground to try and get a glimpse of the first bounce. We knew if we could hear the screams of “BALL” bellowing out of the ground as we walked in that we’d just missed it.
 
Usually, Dad would get us general admission seats down near the cheer-squad, usually off to the side in one of the pockets. Now I think of it, a pretty impressive feat to do so in a traditionally packed out MCG for a Tigers home game.

With his careful selection of games, I actually have a positive recollection of going to the footy, witnessing Richmond’s rare wins each year. There was of course some bad memories, particularly round 12 2004 against Fremantle that gives me PTSD.
 
The Tigers led at every change, going into the fourth quarter up by 16-points. The Dockers proceeded to kick 5.4 to Richmond’s 1.2 and steal the game by 10-points. I cried that day.

There was round two in 2008 against North Melbourne at the MCG. We went to the game with Dad’s brother and his family who were Kangaroos supporters. Richmond had beaten Carlton in round one while North had lost to Essendon. So, my pre-game analysis as a 10-year-old was simple. “If we can play like last week and the Kangaroos play like last week, I think we’ll win.” We lost by 41-points.
 
There were even more disappointing nights on the couch at home after a tough loss. When the trip down ended in a win though, the drive home couldn’t be topped.
 
I was there when Dean Polo, in his debut game, kicked three goals and had 28 disposals to win the Yiooken Award for best on ground in the ‘Dreamtime at the G’ match in 2006. He was delisted by the end of 2010.
 
Two weeks later, thanks to the generosity of the late great Shane Tuck, we watched the Tigers beat top of the table Adelaide at the then Telstra Dome by three-points. He managed to get us into the rooms post-match as well.
 
We were back at the MCG three weeks later to watch Richmond beat North Melbourne by 35 points. The highlight was Kangaroos small-man Troy Makepeace lining up for goal and Dad thinking he was a chance to mark it. He jumped sharply to his right to try and grab it, crushing my five-year-old brother in the process and making him cry. The man behind us said we were on the big screen as the old man comforted him, but we just missed it. Two sons, both have cried at the footy.
 
I saw Jack Riewoldt kick 10 goals against West Coast in round 12 2010. I watched us beat eventual premiers Sydney in round seven 2012 at the MCG, right after watching my high school team St Patrick’s College win the Herald Sun Shield.

​Throughout these times there’s little things I remember about being at Richmond games. I can recall sitting in the stands and screaming “BALL”, a man a few seats down from me bellowing it with me with all his might. For the rest of the game all I wanted to do was yell “BALL” with that guy, the passion was infectious.
 
I can remember walking past the cheer-squad in the standing area, that by the time the game ended, were in fine form after a few too many. They chanted the famous “We are the boys from the MCG” chorus, one that I could’ve listened to all day long.
 
The walk from Richmond station, past Punt Road Oval over to the MCG was always enjoyable. Surrounded by thousands of fellow supporters, all filled with optimism and hope.
 
My greatest memory will be the passion that I saw and felt going to games even in the worst of times on field. I’ve never been to an empty MCG to watch the Tigers. It was always an experience.
 
Since 2013 it’s been happier times at Richmond, for the most part. Elimination final losses in 2013, 14’ and 15’ were heartbreaking, but I was just so glad to finally be a part of the September action.
 
2016 seemed like classic Tigers football, missing the eight. However, the four years since have been unbelievable. From the fairy tale premiership in 2017 to being one of the most hated teams in the competition in 2020, it’s been a fun rise up the ladder. The Tigers have finally got themselves to the point where neutral fans are sick of us winning. That’s exactly what you want to become as a footy club.
 
Friends tell me how much they hate us now, they’re sick of us winning. I couldn’t care less. The Tigers and their fans have earned this run, we’ve been put through the ringer. I haven't even mentioned the drafting errors in the early 2000s either.

​So, we’re going to soak up a third premiership in four years and enjoy it as much as possible. Because, if 1982 to 2016 proved anything, it’s that it’s hard to make the eight to start with and it’s very hard to make grand finals and win premierships. We’ll never take it for granted again.


Cover Photo: Pinterest

​Since the 2015 AFL off-season, the Greater Western Sydney Giants have lost seven walk-up starters to requested trades and look like losing another two in 2020.
 
Adam Treloar, Cam McCarthy, Devon Smith, Nathan Wilson, Rory Lobb, Dylan Shiel and Jonathon Patton have all asked to be traded and now Jeremy Cameron and Aiden Corr look set to join them.
 
How many players have GWS received back in trades for these guys? None. When it came to stars like Treloar and Shiel it was two first-round picks, for others like Smith it was a first and third round pick.
 
In short, the AFL trade period is filled with picks as compensation for star players. In the Giants case, some of these picks have ended superbly. In losing Cam McCarthy they were able to eventually get Tim Taranto in the 2016 draft as one example.
 
However, for a club that possessed so much talent from years of early draft picks in their infancy, that talent list is dwindling. Two-first round picks for Jeremy Cameron won’t cut it, they need players that can help them win now.

The Giants are still entrenched in the premiership window. 2020 form needs to be taken with a grain of salt for some of these clubs and players. Geelong and Richmond were able to hold their nerve in the hub away from family and friends. However, clearly GWS, West Coast and North Melbourne struggled.
 
Their list still consists of the likes of Toby Greene, Josh Kelly, Jacob Hopper, Lachie Whitfield, Nick Haynes, Stephen Coniglio, Tim Taranto, Phil Davis, Callan Ward and Harry Perryman. This is a team that made the 2019 Grand Final with half of its list on one leg.
 
So, with that in mind, the Giants have to play hardball and get a player that can impact on the field for them now. AFL rules make it hard. The player they ask for in return must agree to the trade. It has to be brought up though and the question at least asked.
 
I’ve said this for years but asking for players in return needs to become normal in AFL trade talks. It's the norm in the U.S. For example, when then Cleveland star Kyrie Irving wanted out in 2017, LeBron James and Kevin Love wanted immediate compensation to help them win a title the next season. Therefore, Boston gave up Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and a 2018 first-round pick for Irving. Help for the now and a pick for the future, simple as that.

If I were Geelong in last year’s trade period, I would have asked for at least one player in exchange for Tim Kelly with a couple of draft picks as well. You are a team in the premiership hunt, about to lose one of your best midfielders, what are first round picks going to do for you?
 
I can tell you who didn’t want those first-round picks; Gary Ablett, Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood.

The same applies to GWS. Coniglio, Ward, Kelly, Taranto and all the rest couldn’t give two f***s about first-round picks. They want to win a premiership next year, get them players who have at least some experience at AFL level.
 
Why not ask the question about Esava Ratugolea? Maybe Rhys Stanley to strengthen their ruck stocks. Even some mid-sized players would be helpful, Jordan Clark, Charlie Constable, Quinton Narkle or a Tom Atkins who have all fallen out of favour in 2020.
 
Brandan Parfitt’s name has been mentioned, as has Ratugolea’s, Parfitt’s possible move being shut down by his manager Tim Lawrence today.

For someone of Cameron’s calibre, one of these players, a first rounder and a second rounder would be fitting. Some help now and draft picks for extra compensation.
 
Port Adelaide did this in the off-season of 2018. Hawthorn were going hard at Power star Chad Wingard, so Port asked for then 21-year-old Ryan Burton in response. In a three-team trade that included Brisbane, the Power got back Burton, Sam Mayes, pick five, 15 and a future fourth rounder while giving up Wingard, pick six and two future third rounders.
 
Since the trade, Burton has played 16 and eight games in 2019 and 2020 respectively, this year hampered by injury. He was still able to be a starter in both of Port’s finals this season, while Mayes played six games in 2020.
 
The Power were able to get a young star that could come into their side and contribute straight away. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask for, because Hawthorn are wanting to recruit one of your superstar players. Play hardball and get something in return. Just because your player wants out doesn’t mean you have to settle for picks.
 
GWS have to do the same. Cameron wants to leave, fair enough, he’s been a great servant of your club. However, play hardball. He’s a Coleman Medalist, two-time All-Australian, Best and Fairest winner and a nine-time leading goal kicker at the Giants. Oh, and he’s averaged two and-a-half goals per game throughout his career.
 
He is a star and they need to demand fair compensation for him. Geelong will know that and should be willing to depart with some of their young stars.



Cover Photo: Getty Images

Greatest Cat of all pounces Geelong home
If there was anyone that was going to stand up with the Cats so close to a grand final, it had to be the little master, Gary Ablett. Kicking a clever snap deep in the pocket of the Gabba to silence the Lions roar, he followed it up with a goal on the run from 55-metres out sending daggers into the hearts of Brisbane fans.
 
It was vintage Gary Ablett. The two vital goals mirrored highlights we’d become so accustomed to seeing in the earlier part of Ablett’s career with the Cats as a stay at home half-forward flanker. Whenever he has been at his best this year Geelong’s forward line has looked the best in the competition. If he’s not kicking goals he’s putting it on a plate for his teammates, making the Cats incredibly hard to stop.
 
It is only fitting that one of the greatest the game has ever seen will play his 357th and final game in a grand final, as he searches for his third premiership with the Cats.
Liam Melrose

Port beaten at their own game
It’s hard to lose a final in any sport. It can be easier to accept it when you feel as if you stuck to your guns and game plan but were beaten by a better side on the night. For Port Adelaide, they have to accept the fact that they were beaten at their own game and the style of play that had helped them to a minor premiership.
 
The Power’s game all year had been focused on clearances, dominating the contested ball, getting it forward quickly and pressing up to be able to put forward pressure on. It didn’t happen on Friday night. Port lost the clearances by 12, centre clearances by seven and stoppage clearances by five. They were able to win contested possession but only by six.
 
The positives? They had every chance to win the game. Winning the inside 50 count by 15 would usually mean a victory, but the Power’s 20 percent efficiency inside 50 didn’t allow it. So, it’s an opportunity missed, but one that should instil confidence that they are around the mark and should be playing at the pointy end in 2021.
Ollie Nash

Richmond’s role players instrumental
I harp on it and harp on it, but role players win you premierships. The stars will more often than not play to their high end capabilities, but it’s the battle of the bottom six on each team that makes the difference. On Friday night, that’s the battle that Richmond won.
 
Nathan Broad, Noah Balta, Liam Baker and Toby Nankervis didn’t dominate the stats sheet, but they were vital in the win. Balta was able to nullify Charlie Dixon’s influence, Baker didn’t miss a ground ball despite the wet conditions and Nankervis was best on ground in the fourth quarter.
 
The ruckman had five disposals, a tackle, four intercept possessions, three intercept marks (one contested), nine hit outs (five to advantage) and 19 pressure acts in the final term. Lots will be made of Dustin Martin’s game, which is fair enough. However, it’s players like Nankervis that will be vital to Richmond’s premiership hopes against Geelong on Saturday night.
Ollie Nash

Brisbane’s opportunity to win a flag in their backyard ends in a disappointing fade-out
The script was set up perfectly for Brisbane. A top-four finish, a win in the first week of the finals, a home preliminary final, and had the Lions won the game they would have booked themselves an extremely rare home grand final at the Gabba.
 
However, the Cats slashed the Lions script and ended the dream. Geelong smashed Brisbane in the middle of the ground from the opening bounce winning the clearances 15-4 in the first quarter. That dominance continued throughout the game as the Cats bullied the Lions.
 
The Cats led by five-points at halftime with the game well and truly in the balance, however it seemed as though Geelong had dominated the contest regardless of the score-line. Following halftime Brisbane faded terribly, as the Cats kicked 7.8 to Brisbane’s 2.3. If Geelong were more efficient in front of goal the 40-point margin may have blown out even further.
 
The loss will haunt the Lions all summer, especially knowing they had a once in a lifetime opportunity to win a flag in their own backyard.
Liam Melrose


​​Cover Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Dangerfield stands up for Cats when they need him most
Patrick Dangerfield’s semi-final performance was a mirror image of his 2017 Semi-Final performance against the Sydney Swans at the MCG. On both occasions, Geelong have had their backs against the wall, with Dangerfield going forward to kick multiple goals helping his side over the line in win or go home scenarios.
 
In the 2017 Semi-Final he kicked 4.3 and finished with 26 disposals as the Cats went onto defeat Sydney by 59 points. On Saturday night with shortened quarters the superstar Cat kicked 4 goals and finished with 19 disposals as Geelong went on to win by 68 points. If he can replicate this performance against Brisbane on Saturday night Geelong may very well be on their way to their first Grand Final in almost ten years.
Liam Melrose

2016 Bulldogs feat even more impressive
The biggest story to come out of Collingwood’s loss to Geelong on Saturday night for me was just how impressive the 2016 Western Bulldog’s premiership was. The Dogs finished seventh that year, won a final in Perth and Sydney and beat the three-time reigning premiers at the MCG.
 
If Collingwood was to go all the way, it was going to be a similar path for them, winning Perth and then the Gabba for three straight weeks. Their 68-point loss to Geelong just showed footy fans how hard it is to win a flag from outside the top-four.
 
Mentally and physically it’s a huge effort, especially after such an emotional elimination final win against West Coast last week. So, Pies fans, there’s no shame in that loss, if history tells us anything, it should have been expected.
​Ollie Nash

Physical Tom a finals player
The only thing coaches ask of their key forwards is to bring the ball to ground and not get out-marked. In finals, this becomes even more vital. Richmond’s Tom Lynch provided that and more in the Tigers 31-point win over St Kilda on Friday night.
 
Once again, he was in the headlines for an indiscretion, pushing his knee down onto Dougal Howard’s shoulder. However, despite this and his wayward kicking, he was superb. Seven shots on goal for two majors, 17 disposals and six marks, two of which were contested.
 
It was his impact on the contest that was more important though, crashing packs and helping small forwards Shai Bolton, Jason Castagna and Daniel Rioli get first use on the ground and hit the scoreboard.
Ollie Nash

A ‘Battle’ hardened warrior
There’s always stories of players playing while injured during the AFL Finals. Josh Battle was another added to that list on Friday night. He disappeared from the field for almost 30 minutes. It was later revealed he had broken his foot at the eighth minute mark of the second quarter.
 
While Battle didn’t dominate the contest, he was able to play through the pain and come back onto the field to take a strong contested mark, and kick a much-needed inspiring goal for the Saints to help keep them in the game. He also providing another option up forward to help take the pressure off Max King and Tim Membrey.
​Liam Melrose


​
Cover Photo: News Corp Australia

Brisbane roaring with the Lions
After Friday night’s qualifying final between the Lions and Richmond it is clear that Brisbane are behind their team. Just over 22,000 people were in attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions in Queensland, however it sounded as if there were 50,000 at the match.
 
The Lions are 12-0 at the Gabba in 2020 and with their first preliminary final since 2004 in two weeks’ time, expect the Brisbane faithful to be just as vocal as they were in Friday night’s qualifying final. Small forward Charlie Cameron shook off Dylan Grimes, electrifying the crowd with three classy goals, as the Lions ended a 15-game losing streak to the Tigers.
 
The win showed us Brisbane has come a long way from the raw Lions of the 2019 finals, with 2020 arguably their best chance yet to win a premiership in a once in a lifetime opportunity on their home deck.
 
2020 is the year of the Rat in China, however in Australia it could be the year of the Lion, after they showed they are up to the fight, taming the Tigers in a famous qualifying final victory.
Liam Melrose

Beware Cats its Swooping Season
It’s swooping season and the ‘Dirty Pies’ have found some strong form. Being forced to quarantine in the week leading up to their elimination final clash with the West Coast Eagles in Perth, the Magpies were back to their best on Saturday night.
 
In arguably the match of the year Collingwood turned it on from the opening bounce with Mason Cox booting three goals in the first quarter. After that it was almost goal for goal all night. Brody Mihocek stepped up to kick three crucial goals, while Jordan De Goey impacted the scoreboard when it mattered most. The usual suspects in the middle of the ground in Adam Treloar, Taylor Adams and Scott Pendlebury were massive for Collingwood against the elite West Coast midfield.
 
Nobody gave the Magpies a chance against West Coast in Perth. However, after their one-point win they’ll take a lot of confidence into their semi-final clash with Geelong on Saturday night. It’s swooping season, and with the Cats out of form and their finals struggles continuing, the ‘Dirty Pies’ might just send them out of the finals in straight sets.
Liam Melrose

Role players stepping up
In every finals series in all sports around the world, the role players become the most important players on the ground. The stars will do their thing as they have all year, but what wins you big games at the end of the season are your bottom six players. Port Adelaide’s fringe guys were better than Geelong’s on Thursday night, led by former Cat Steven Motlop.
 
The 29-year-old kicked three timely goals from his 11 disposals to keep the Power’s lead over Geelong at a comfortable one. Come preliminary final time it may not be Motlop and instead might be a Todd Marshall or a Karl Amon. Either way, if these bottom tier players for any of the remaining clubs can fire, it puts their team in a great position.
 
Look at the Miami Heat in the NBA. Tyler Herro, one of their bench players, dropped 37 points in the Eastern Conference Finals. They have had other guys throughout the playoffs do the same and now they find themselves in the NBA Finals. These are the players that are just quietly some of the most important at this time of the season.
Ollie Nash

Dogs need impact over numbers
The Western Bulldogs are an extremely talented football team. They’re midfielders of Marcus Bontempelli, Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Hunter and Tom Liberatore is one of the best in the competition. On paper it’s stronger than St Kilda’s, but it’s clear that their impact isn’t where it needs to be.
 
The Dogs had the top four possession getters on the ground in their three-point loss to the Saints, and six of the top 10. What will help them win these finals however, is if these possessions become more impactful. Teams like Richmond have won games against top teams this season with no player having 20 disposals. They win because each disposal is effective and damaging.
 
The Bulldogs stars aren’t playing badly by any stretch, they just need to turn their 20 to 25 touches into line-breaking, impactful disposals.
Ollie Nash


​Cover Photo: AAP