Greater Western Sydney Giants 19.11 (125) beat West Coat Eagles 9.4 (58)
Well, that was a disappointing semi-final, with the Giants far too good for an Eagles side who looked tired and flat-footed after their thrilling victory over the Power last week. That means it’s the end of the road for Mitchell, Priddis and Petrie (although we’ll be seeing plenty of Mitchell next year in the coaching box). It wasn’t the end they deserved, but the Port Adelaide win was surely a highlight worthy of going out on.
The Giants, meanwhile, delivered on the promise they’ve flirted with all season, and look a scary proposition for the Tigers next week. Coniglio dominated with 35 disposals, including 11 contested possessions, eight clearances, three marks, seven tackles and a goal. Likewise, Lachie Whitfield delivered one of his best performances yet, with 28 disposals, seven contested possessions, 11 marks, two clearances and five tackles. And then there was Steve Johnson, who returned to form in stunning fashion with six goals, to ensure his place in next week’s blockbuster. The story in the lead-up will most likely be Brett Deledio’s unlikely encounter with Richmond in a preliminary final - who would’ve thought?
Thanks for joining me for tonight’s action - which unfortunately delivered yet another AFL finals blowout. Preliminary final week, however, should be huge, with Patrick Dangerfield’s Cats up against his old side in the Adelaide Crows, and the Giants taking on a rampaging Richmond. Can’t wait. See you next week.
AFL Q4 01:09 GWS Giants 19.11 (125) v West Coast Eagles 9.4 (58)
Sam Mitchell kicks a goal to cap off a fine career, which will finish on 329 games with 28 disposals and two goals. Only Priddis and Redden (29 each) have more disposals for the Eagles.
Updated
AFL Q4 04:06 GWS Giants 19.11 (125) v West Coast Eagles 8.3 (51)
Johnson has a shot at a seventh - but he can’t quite make the difference. He’s laughing his way to the finish line, Stevie J (literally and figuratively). Chants of “Stevie” ring out throughout Spotless.
Now it’s Patton’s turn at one with a set-shot - he’s racked up 22 disposals after some time on the ball tonight. He slots it.
Updated
AFL Q4 06:42 GWS Giants 18.10 (118) v West Coast Eagles 8.3 (51)
Miraculous snap for Johnson to bring up number six from a tough angle in the pocket. Reckon the Tigers will be worried the Eagles have played them back into their best form. Well done by Coniglio to have the sense of theatre to pass it off to Johnson on a worse angle.
AFL Q4 07:50 GWS Giants 17.10 (112) v West Coast Eagles 8.3 (51)
Another goal to the Giants - this time through Coniglio, who has 31 disposals and now a goal. What a strange finals series we’ve had - after such a close season to have so many blowouts. Perhaps it makes a strange kind of sense after all.
AFL Q4 10:39 GWS Giants 16.10 (106) v West Coast Eagles 8.3 (51)
Couple of consolation goals to the Eagles through retiring Drew Petrie (who can hold his head up high after a fantastic season) and then Jack Darling, with a spectacular snap over his shoulder.
North Queensland Cowboys beat Paramatta Eels 24-16
The North Queensland Cowboys live to fight another day with their upset victory over the Parramatta Eels finishing at 24-16. It could have been worse, if not for a last-minute try to Jennings in the 80th minute. The Cowboys were down 10-6 at half-time but found the tryline through all of Asiata, Hess and Morgan in the second half to power to victory.
That’s back-to-back losses for the Eels after they finished fourth after the regular season - and ends a disappointing finals series for them. For the Cowboys, however, it continues an incredible story given they are without captains Thurston and Scott. They’ll now face the Roosters in a preliminary final, who - although they’ll start hot favourites - will hold no fear for the brave Cowboys.
Updated
AFL Q4 16:44 GWS Giants 16.10 (106) v West Coast Eagles 6.3 (39)
Mark to LeCras (get it?), who has a chance to save some face for the Eagles. Just the one goal for him tonight, and ten disposals. He converts from 50m out.
AFL Q4 19:44 GWS Giants 16.10 (106) v West Coast Eagles 5.2 (32)
Unreal - it’s five goals to Johnson with just seconds gone in the final quarter. That’s the first time ever he’s kicked five goals in a final.
NRL H2 75:14 Parramatta Eels 10-24 North Queensland Cowboys
Now for something more like a contest... and the Cowboys are up 18-10 through that try to Hess in the 52nd minute (and Lowe conversion). Taumalolo has 193 run metres, while Hess has 133. Single line-breaks to Hess, Linnett and O’Neill.
Scrap that it’s another try to the Cowboys! This one goes to Michael Morgan, and it’s game over! Huge win for the Cowboys. So next week we’ll see Storm v Broncos and Roosters v Cowboys.
AFL three-quarter-time GWS Giants 15.10 (100) v West Coast Eagles 5.2 (32)
Uh oh, Nick Haynes looks to have hurt his knee - looks in big trouble (although now he’s back on the ground?) You’d think the Giants would get him off anyway (and on cue he runs off the ground). On the replay just looks to have got a boot to the knee-cap.
Siren sounds for three-quarter-time, and it’s all too easy for the Giants. Total fizzer of a final.
AFL Q3 02:27 remaining GWS Giants 15.10 (100) v West Coast Eagles 5.2 (32)
GWS captain Callan Ward up to 21 disposals, including six contested possessions, nine marks, four clearances, five tackles and a goal. Whitfield isn’t far behind, with 21 disposals, nine marks and five tackles. Loved their games, as well as Coniglio (22 disposals - 7 contested possessions, six clearances, seven tackles.
Guess who - he’s kicked four goals in this quarter alone, Johnson.
AFL Q3 07:28 remaining GWS Giants 14.10 (94) v West Coast Eagles 5.2 (32)
Eagles players look out on their feet - it’s surely that rather than any lack of effort. De Boer has a chance at a second but it’s punched through. Eagles defenders just can’t stay with their players who are finding all kinds of space on the overlap.
Stevie J has a shot at a third - and it’s an off break through for a goal. Has played himself into a prelim - even if it has all been after the fact of the Giants’ dominance.
Shuey bombs one outside 50 for a consolation goal.
AFL Q3 09:25 remaining GWS Giants 13.9 (87) v West Coast Eagles 4.2 (26)
Lots of old-fashioned biff happening here, think the Eagles are just trying to tempt some Giants into a nervous week at this point. Hate to think how the Power players are feeling now.
AFL Q3 11:56 remaining GWS Giants 13.8 (86) v West Coast Eagles 4.2 (26)
The trade-in Giants are all chiming in - this time via Deledio... now there’s a match-up I’m looking forward to next week (he’s yet to play the Tigers, Deledio). Dangerfield will of course play the Crows next week too.
Updated
AFL Q3 12:32 remaining GWS Giants 12.8 (80) v West Coast Eagles 4.2 (26)
Guess who? Johnson takes a spectacular contested mark between two Eagles’ defenders including McGovern - and gets two in a row. Looks like he’ll play in a Prelim (as will the Cats, albeit the other Prelim - imagine if they met? Don’t see it happening, personally).
AFL Q3 13:26 remaining GWS Giants 11.8 (74) v West Coast Eagles 4.2 (26)
Stevie J - with a heavily bandaged forehead - kicks the Giants eight goals in front (they’ve kicked 10 of the last 12). Sorry to say this one is a boilover... in the NRL, meanwhile, Hess scores for the Cowboys (after a slick Martin inside ball) - and Ma’u looks to throw a punch (but no sin bin?) 18-10 Cowboys!
OK I’ll stay focused on this... promise.
Updated
AFL Q3 15:11 remaining GWS Giants 10.8 (68) v West Coast Eagles 4.2 (26)
Patton takes a big contested grab on Hurn - he’s in almost the same position he kicked two behinds from in the first quarter. Just his eighth disposal. This one floats straight through - and it’s all Giants.
AFL Q3 16:44 remaining GWS Giants 9.8 (62) v West Coast Eagles 4.2 (26)
Yeo shifted forward in an attempt to turn things around for the Eagles - but the Giants hit up Whitfield 40m out, who looks to have recovered from his apparent concussion. He’s had 14 disposals and eight marks - but misses for his second behind for the night.
NRL H2 46:29 Parramatta Eels 10-12 North Queensland Cowboys
COWBOYS score! It goes to Asiata after a strip. Lowe converts. Game on!
Tennis
In case you missed it earlier today - Nick Kyrgios vowed to keep delivering for Australia in the Davis Cup following his dramatic five-set victory over Steve Darcis in Brussels.
Kyrgios has endured a tough year with injuries forcing him to retire from Queens, Wimbledon, and an event in Washington last month, leading to some inconsistent form on court. He is 26-13 in wins-losses so far this year on the ATP Tour. The enigmatic star has previously admitted he’s often not as committed as he should be with his training and even questioned whether he wanted to continue playing tennis. But there was no doubting his commitment to the cause in the Belgian capital on Friday as he sent down 34 aces in a come-from-behind 6-3 3-6 6-7 (7-5) 6-1 6-2 win that silenced a partisan home crowd.
It was arguably his best performance in a campaign that has also seen him beat Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells in March and more recently Rafael Nadal in Cincinnati. “I think it was one of more important wins I have had,” Kyrgios said of overcoming Darcis. “I was 2-1 down in a tough situation and obviously the crowd was going for him. It was on a tough clay court and I had a lot of doubts, but Lleyton was in my face telling me to believe and things will turn our way.”
Kyrgios will face Belgian spearhead David Goffin in Sunday’s reverse singles and the 22-year-old feels in his best shape for months - ready to take Australia to a Davis Cup final for the first time in 14 years.
“I haven’t had my greatest couple of months ... but I played pretty well in Cincinnati. This Davis Cup tie has alway been at the back of my mind and I wanted to peak for this week. I did everything right preparing. This has been my priority all year. I didn’t play my best tennis but I served well on the big points and that is the best part of my game.”
- AAP
Rugby Championship 37m Australia 10-13 Argentina
Looks like a good match in the Union at least - with the Pumas holding a narrow lead over the Aussies. Follow the live blog here.
NRL half-time Parramatta Eels 10-6 North Queensland Cowboys
The Eels have added a try since we last checked in - with Will Smith chiming in for one in the 31st minute (without a conversion). Cowboys have had more possession (53%) and 100% completion - but the Eels lead the way in run metres (714-626).
Unfortunately I can’t get any individual stats because it looks like the NRL site is down (at least it is for me?) but from what I can tell on my phone Radradra has a huge 144 run metres, while Taumalolo has 84 for the Cowboys.
AFL half-time GWS Giants 9.7 (61) v West Coast Eagles 4.2 (26)
Mark LeCras has a kick on the half-time siren to a multitude of boos - and it’s a behind only. Heath Shaw lets him know all about it. Meanwhile, Lachie Whitfield leaves the ground looking wobbly indeed - perhaps concussed. Whatever put Whitfield in that state spurs a melee - with (guess who) Steve Johnson in the middle of it.
OK I’ll jump back over to the NRL.
AFL Q2 01:32 remaining GWS Giants 9.7 (61) v West Coast Eagles 4.1 (25)
Can the Eagles get another one back before the half-time siren? Cripps looks to have taken a certain mark but it’s not paid. Unlucky, and a big call.
Down the other end, Toby Greene takes a mini-hanger, and lines up for his third. It’s straight through. Having a big influence, Toby. He had three in last year’s Preliminary - so this is his equal-best finals effort already.
AFL Q2 04:06 remaining GWS Giants 8.7 (55) v West Coast Eagles 4.1 (25)
Sheed straight out of the middle to hit up Josh Kennedy 50m out on an angle. Helps to get a clearance. His long-range bomb misses to the left. Not ideal.
AFL Q2 04:49 remaining GWS Giants 8.7 (55) v West Coast Eagles 4.0 (24)
Titus O’Reily has aptly reminded me that we have a simultaneous Wallabies live-blog. It’s 3-3 Australia v Argentina as it stands.
These AFL finals are so bad I thought about watching the Wallabies for a moment. #AFLGiantsEagles
— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) September 16, 2017
Sam Mitchell boots a MUCH-needed goal for the Eagles to hopefully breathe some life into this game.
AFL Q2 06:25 remaining GWS Giants 8.7 (55) v West Coast Eagles 3.0 (18)
Have to say, this final is a fizzer as it stands. Eagles look slow and flat-footed. Johnson has had just the three disposals so far, but a couple of inside 50s, a couple of tackles and a centre clearance. Has had presence.
Clearances still well in the Giants’ favour 20-11, as are inside 50s, 25-17 and tackles 39-25.
AFL Q2 09:53 remaining GWS Giants 8.7 (55) v West Coast Eagles 3.0 (18)
Shiel (12), Whitfield (11), Coniglio (11), Kelly (11) and Ward (10) leading the way for the Giants, while McGovern hits Toby Greene head-high for his chance at a second goal. It starts well right, but squeezes through. Big warning bells for the Eagles now.
AFL Q2 14:31 remaining GWS Giants 7.6 (48) v West Coast Eagles 3.0 (18)
Clearances 17-8, inside 50s 21-14, contested possessions 44-35, tackles 28-17, hit-outs 19-11. Giants dominating. Where does the Eagles’ resistance come from? Sam Mitchell coaching from the bench.
AFL Q2 16:49 remaining GWS Giants 7.6 (48) v West Coast Eagles 3.0 (18)
Wilson hits up Himmelberg (with no opponent in sight - think McGovern was wrong-footed) who has a chance to put the Giants in even more space. It’s a horrible looking effort, but it’s through for another. Simpson looks worried, as am I.
AFL Q2 17:46 remaining GWS Giants 6.6 (42) v West Coast Eagles 3.0 (18)
Back on here at Spotless - just the two behinds so far to the Giants, with a rushed behind from a Toby Greene snap, and a miss from Dylan Shiel. The Giants’ midfielders are on top - with ten disposals to Shiel (three contested possessions, three clearances and four tackles) who leads the way alongside Kelly (ten disposals, four contested possessions, two clearances, three tackles).
Matt de Boer kicks a goal for the Giants - in plenty of space after their midfield forces the overlap. This has a dangerous look about it.
NRL H1 15:25 Parramatta Eels 6-6 North Queensland Cowboys
Scores are level over at ANZ Stadium - with a try to Kyle Feldt in the 11th minute and conversion to Ethan Lowe squaring things up for the Cowboys (after the Eels found touch through Semi Radradra in the 7th - and Moses converted). Not too surprised that the first try of the night went to Radradra.
AFL quarter-time GWS Giants 5.4 (34) v West Coast Eagles 3.0 (18)
Against all the momentum, the Eagles find a late goal through LeCras, on the run from 50m out. That bucks the trend of three late GWS goals.
Not to be outdone, Callan Ward kicks the Giants’ fifth with just ten seconds remaining. Simpson will be fuming. A “Giants” chant goes up around Spotless.
I’ll quickly check in on the NRL before coming back to this one.
Updated
AFL Q1 02:08 remaining GWS Giants 4.3 (27) v West Coast Eagles 2.0 (12)
Shiel to Kelly to Ward - their big names are dominating through the middle, and Scully finds himself on the end of it again inside forward 50. He might not quite command the same fear as Dangerfield - but I see shadows of Danger last night in his presence in the forward line tonight.
Taranto snaps a goal to propel the Giants further in front. Sheppard leaves the field after a heavy clash of heads.
AFL Q1 04:32 remaining GWS Giants 3.3 (21) v West Coast Eagles 2.0 (12)
Giants finding dangerous amounts of space in the middle, and Scully causing havoc for the Eagles in the middle and forward. After the last assist he chimes in for his own goal. Giants getting on top in clearances 9-5, contested possessions 27-19 and tackles 18-9.
AFL Q1 05:44 remaining GWS Giants 2.3 (15) v West Coast Eagles 2.0 (12)
Beautiful intercept mark by Jeremy McGovern - he has had three for the game already.
Toby Greene snaps a bouncing goal after taking the assist from Scully in an open forward line. Shiel has rocketed up to six disposals for the Giants - while Kelly also has six.
AFL Q1 07:51 remaining GWS Giants 1.3 (9) v West Coast Eagles 2.0 (12)
Free kick to Josh Kennedy just outside the goal square - on replay Corr tugs the jumper - it was there. He kicks truly. Giants - and coach Cameron - ruing early misses.
AFL Q1 09:36 remaining GWS Giants 1.3 (9) v West Coast Eagles 1.0 (6)
Late-inclusion Wellingham has had plenty of the ball (four disposals) - and fires the ball in long to Vardy who takes a near-uncontested mark 10m out, directly in front. What a season he’s had since crossing over from the Cats. He opens the Eagles’ tally with a goal.
AFL Q1 10:56 remaining GWS Giants 1.3 (9) v West Coast Eagles 0.0 (0)
Stats not diabolical yet for the Eagles - but the Giants look harder at it, with 18-12 contested possessions and 15-3 tackles. Down-field free to the Giants gifts Patton another shot at goal from almost the same distance and angle. He misses in almost identical fashion.
Updated
AFL Q1 12:12 remaining GWS Giants 1.2 (8) v West Coast Eagles 0.0 (0)
Great run down from Scully on Priddis who looked set to send the Eagles inside 50 - and the Giants are off and running. Coniglio hits up Patton on his chest. He misses one he should’ve kicked - it’s across the face.
AFL Q1 13:31 remaining GWS Giants 1.1 (7) v West Coast Eagles 0.0 (0)
Ward wins the clearance just outside 50 to set up Greene on a sharp angle 45m out. Greene angrily removes some Gatorade obstacles in typical villain-mode. He misses to the left.
Shiel makes no such mistake, after a turnover from the kick-in, and the first goal goes to the home side.
AFL Q1 15:27 remaining GWS Giants 0.0 (0) v West Coast Eagles 0.0 (0)
Himmelberg on McGovern as expected - which hasn’t stopped him from already taking a big, contested grab. Barrass, Hurn and McGovern look formidable down back. Intensity is as you’d expect for a final - plenty of fumbles and turnovers.
First real chance at a score goes to Mitchell - who hits the post for an out of bounds on the full.
Updated
AFL Q1 18:55 remaining GWS Giants 0.0 (0) v West Coast Eagles 0.0 (0)
Mitchell out of the midfield - wonder how many times I’ll say that tonight. Still, it’s turned over and goes forward to Patton who turns it over into the man on the mark. Nervous start. Giants get the first inside 50 - and Heath Shaw has already started a fracas.
Updated
AFL GWS Giants v West Coast Eagles
National anthem over - not sure there’s a crankier resting face than Toby Greene’s. Hurn wins the toss. Just about ready to go here.
Updated
AFL GWS Giants v West Coast Eagles
Both teams out on the ground now - and it looks to be a fairly disappointing crowd at Spotless Stadium. I’m sure it’ll be a talking point throughout the week - some fans on Twitter pointing out that the Matildas drew a larger crowd in Penrith today.
AFL GWS Giants v West Coast Eagles
No late changes for this one. That means the only changes are as named:
Eagles
IN: Wellingham
OUT: Partington
Giants
IN: Johnson, Taranto
OUT: Cameron, Mumford
Can’t help but think they’re huge outs for the Giants. Johnson will bring some poise, finals experience and class, but Taranto is just a kid.
Racing
Just while we’re wating for this game to start - Winx today won an incredible 20th consecutive victory when she came fast and late to win the George Main Stakes at Randwick.
This from Wires:
“Chris Waller’s exceptional thoroughbred had lots of ground to make up in the one-mile Group One, but she flew at the death to defeat Happy Clapper by a length and a quarter. Winx is now likely to have one more run before she tries to win the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on October 28 for a third consecutive year.
Waller said: “True champions normally come out and win. We should respect Happy Clapper because he is a very good horse in his own right and we had to fight to get past him. I’d say she’ll have one more run up here if we can and at some stage she’ll head to Melbourne but we’ll lock it in over the next week. The first Cox Plate she won it off three runs, next Cox Plate she won it off four and she will probably run in it off a fifth run this time.”
Jockey Hugh Bowman said: “I expected to be closer to the speed but the pace was strong. At the top of the straight she had a lot of ground to make up but after her last two performances I knew she could do it. I am just so proud of her.”
- Associated Press
The Matildas
Speaking of the Matildas, I loved Paul Connolly’s article today about the historical trajectory of women’s football in Australia. (And when I say I ‘loved’ it, I should really say it enraged me. Thank god we are at the point where we’re finally righting some of the wrongs that have been done to women’s sport over time!)
NRL Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys
Of course I haven’t forgotten that there’s also a do-or-die NRL final on tonight - with the Parramatta Eels taking on the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium (starting 7:40pm AEST). Unfortunately since these games are on at the same time, however, I’ll only be able to update you on progress during breaks from the AFL.
Reckon this will likewise be a close one, with the Cowboys - like the Eagles - with nothing to lose after their underdog victory over reigning premiers Cronulla last week in extra-time, highlighted by an incredible Jason Taumalolo try (did he/they just want it more than the Sharks?) The man I love to watch averages over 200 run metres a week and seems to get better with each season (despite already being the reigning Dally M winner).
The Eels, however, are in some form, after almost producing the upset of week one, leading at half-time against the Storm and producing some uncharacteristically panicked play from the competition favourites (who had to produce some miraculous, if unconventional, tries to win). Apart from the Storm loss, this team has nine wins from their last ten games, and they’ll back themselves in against a Cowboys side pushed all the way to extra-time and with a day’s less recovery.
These sides have a very even historical record - with the Eels having won 18 to the Cowboys 17 (with one draw) over 36 encounters. They’ve only ever played once in finals, and in good news for the Cowboys, that was a boilover of epic proportions (29-0). That was all the way back in 2005, but in what could be similar fashion, knocked the more fancied Eels from the finals series. Still, the Eels will take heart from the fact that over the last couple of years, no team that finished top-four has lost in straight sets (the last to do so was Manly in 2014).
I think I said I’d never tip a game here again, but I’ll back the Eels here - with a hell of a scare from the brave Cowboys.
Welcome
Hello everyone and welcome to this Saturday evening edition of Sportwatch. I’m Kate O’Halloran and I’ll be here to guide you through tonight’s AFL finals action (with some NRL updates). As you may have seen from Mike’s opening post, it has been a big day in sport already, with the Matildas winning their international friendly against Brazil 2-1. Surely the highlight was seeing a women’s international football game sell-out - to 17,000 adoring (and many new) Matildas fans. The game was a cracker too, and had me glued to my seat while I should have been working (what about that De Vanna volley, eh?) It capped off a wonderful week for Australia’s footballers, who - under a new collective bargaining agreement- will see their average W-League salaries doubled (to a still not-so-grand total of $15,500 a year). Love this David Squires take on the deal. Hooray progress!
Alright, better not get sidetracked with women’s sport! Onto the real stuff! (Anyone who knows me - including hopefully my readers - will know this is a joke!)
So. Onto tonight’s semi-final between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the West Coast Eagles, who will tough it out for the final spot in Preliminary final week. We already have one match-up decided - with the Cats last night winning through to a daunting match-up with the minor premiers, Adelaide, next Friday night. Tonight’s winner will have no less a daunting task: a win will see them take on the rampaging Tigers (and an increasingly bustling bandwagon of supporters).
This one could be close, with the Eagles (written off for the season before the finals even started) the real surprise packet of the series to date. They were outplayed for large segments of last week’s match against Port (including in extra time), but persisted for one of the more memorable finals victories in recent times. Combine that with their last-gasp, unexpected victory over minor premiers Adelaide to sneak into the finals, and they’re on something of a confidence-boosting roll. They again have the added incentive of sending off veterans Matt Priddis, Drew Petrie and Sam Mitchell in style and seem to be relishing their underdog status. Then there’s the impending return of Nic Naitanui, and suddenly the Eagles look a team to be reckoned with indeed. Still, they’ll have their work cut out for them against an albeit-underperforming and injury-affected GWS.
The Giants were dealt a big blow in the lead-up to this game, with the loss of barometer ruckman Shane Mumford, who is out with a foot problem. This could swing clearances the way of the Eagles - who thrived on the dual versatility of Nathan Vardy and Drew Petrie against the Power last week, clearly taking the honours against All-Australian Paddy Ryder. The Giants have also lost their leading goalkicker in Jeremy Cameron - who is out for the season with a hamstring. This considerably changes the complexion of their forward line, and they will be hoping for a finals miracle from recalled mercurial forward Steve Johnson. I’m backing Jon Patton to step up in Cameron’s abscence; he’s a fiery, fierce competitor who hates to lose, and is one of the many Giants still reeling from last year’s heartbreaking Prelim final loss. I’ll also look for Josh Kelly to fire in lieu of a tag: when Adam Simpson sent tagger Mark Hutchings to Dylan Shiel in round 22, Kelly amassed 43 disposals, eight clearances and a goal. Will be interesting to see whether Hutchings goes to Kelly this time around, or sticks to Shiel. As far as match-ups go, I’m also fascinated to see what the Giants do about Jeremy McGovern. Will they send Harry Himmelberg to him as a defensive forward, as they did with Jake Lever last week? They’ll need to do something, as McGovern’s intercept marking game turned the match against Port last week.
History is against the Eagles this week: under the final eight system, the eighth-placed team has only won consecutive finals once (North Melbourne in 2015). They also lost both outings against the Giants this year - in Round 22 at Spotless Stadium (by 21 points) and Round Ten at Domain Stadium (by nine points). Still, I reckon they’ll play with nothing to lose, while the Giants will have the weight of expectation bearing down on them. A straight-set finals loss for the Giants this year would be a disaster, and cement their ‘under-performing’ tag. Will be a fascinating one.
Updated
Kate will be here shortly. In the meantime, catch up on how the Matildas fared against Brazil in their friendly earlier today.
