I’ve blown all my credibility after missing the Collingwood prelim result, but take solace in the fact my gut did point to it happening.
West Coast Vs Collingwood
Last Time They Met: West Coast 12.14. 86 defeated Collingwood 10.10. 70 (Perth Stadium)
Other Time They Met: Collingwood 9.13. 67 Lost to West Coast 15.12. 102 (MCG)
Why the Eagles will win:
They did it the previous two times (although that didn’t help Richmond).
But in the reasons that really matter, Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling are a little too dynamic for the Pies key defenders. Jamie Cripps and Mark LeCras are sharp shooters, then for brilliance, throw in Willie Rioli and Liam Ryan. All of this totals a winning score.
Question Mark: More than half their team carry Grand Final experience, or is it baggage… ?
When was the last time a team won the GF and had even one bonafide star on the sidelines? I can't think of a time in recent memory (Bob Murphy was nearing the end).
Well, the Eagles have 2 if not 3 (Gaff, Naitanui, Sheppard).
Why Collingwood will win:
They’re on a good run of beating teams who knocked them off earlier in the year (GWS, Richmond).
But it’s their genuine care for each other, and the coach, that sets Collingwood 2018 apart from the rest of the competition – oh and their deep, hands-dirty midfield of Grundy, Pendlebury, Treloar, Sidebottom, Adams, etc. that clearly holds sway over the Eagles.
Question Mark: Mason Cox had his night out. Can lighting strike twice for the Texas light post?
Who is actually going to win:
Unlike last week when I had a strong gut feel for Collingwood (that I ignored), my intestines are telling me nothing this time. That means I’m left to solely go with my head, and it tells me it will be close.
I can’t foresee the crowd chanting USA, USA again. Jordan DeGoey however, can anyone stop him? Well a backline containing All Australians Shannon Hurn and Jeremy McGovern is the most likely tonic, and they have the benefit of seeing how Richmond’s defence were carved up, so I think they’ll be up to the task.
To get me off the fence, I think the two ruckman approach of West Coast is as well placed as any to counter Brodie Grundy, and that’s the determining factor for me.
West Coast to be Premiers and win by 13 points.
Norm Smith:
Not one to talk about previous triumphs (too much), I did get Brian Lake the year he won, paying $81, and although this guy isn't at those healthy odds, I'm predicting Jeremy McGovern ($14) to win the medal.
I might be wrong, and if I am, it'll be Luke Shuey ($12). Explosive, brilliant, penetrating.
First Goal Scorer:
Jamie Cripps of West Coast ($21) is a dead eye dick kick.
Travis Varcoe of Collingwood ($23) has done it on Grand Final day before.
