Glenn McFarlane takes a look at the big questions on the eve of the AFL finals series

GLENN McFarlane looks at 10 burning questions we’re asking on the eve of the AFL finals. RECAP MACCA’S CHAT.

Round 13: Essendon v Melbourne AFLR1314 Picture : Wayne Ludbey Mark Thompson

ON the eve of September, Glenn McFarlane asks some big questions.

1. Will Sydney live to regret not working harder to keep ruckman Shane Mumford?

If there is one Achilles heel amongst the multi-million dollar Swans, it could be in the club’s complete reliance on Mike Pyke. The Swans had no choice but to relinquish Shane Mumford last October, when its bold bid to claim Lance Franklin took up any spare cash reserves. That could still hurt them in September, and Pyke’s absence at times this year has put a strain on the Swans. Tom Derickx was serviceable earlier in the season and Sam Naismith had a taste of it last week when Pyke was ill. But if anything happens to Pyke during the finals, the Swans will begin to look vulnerable.

2. Will Cyril Rioli return for the finals?

Cyril Rioli is racing the clock.

For most other players in this situation, you would have to say it would be doubtful. For Cyril, it is still very much worth the punt. It all comes down to whether he is right to go in a preliminary final. The latest scans are better than they were, but still a little concern. The Hawks are privately still confident he can run out on Preliminary Final day and then possibly a week later in the Grand Final — maybe even as a sub.

RECAP MACCA’S CHAT BELOW

3. What sort of impact can Stevie J make during September, and can he keep his cool?

They don’t call Stevie J ‘Mr September’ for no reason. He got through training yesterday without a hiccup and track watchers said he moved without discomfort on his troublesome foot. He thrives on making an impact in the finals and will likely do the same again this year. As far as keeping his cool, that’s something only Stevie J can answer. Players will try to niggle with him, but any possible issue might only come back to haunt if the Cats meet the Dockers.

4. Can Freo kick a winning score when it truly counts?

Ross Lyon has coached in 16 finals at St Kilda and Fremantle for eight wins, seven losses and one draw. In four Grand Finals his team’s highest score has been just 68 points. But the Dockers are throwing a far bigger punch in front of goal this season than any team Lyon has guided. In the seven finals Lyon has coached a team to 80 points on the scoreboard; his team has won all seven. You get the feeling that if the Dockers can push near 90 points in any final, the Purple Army will be very hard to stop.

5. Is there any danger of Port Adelaide losing a final quarter?

It’s doubtful, given their record this season. If the Tigers are trailing at three-quarter-time on Sunday, look out, the streak is almost as good as over. The Power has an incredible capacity to run out games and have won 16 of their 22 final quarters this year. That’s a weapon that is critical during finals matches, and couple that with the loudest crowd at a venue that cannot be silenced, and you understand just what Port Adelaide can still achieve this season.

6. Can the kid (Kayne Turner) — the AFL’s youngest player — cut the mustard?

Glenn Archer was right. Turner was always going to play in North Melbourne’s cut-throat final against Essendon. Sure, he’s the youngest player in the finals series and he’s still at school. He’s actually not 19 until New Year’s Eve. But he has shown so much in his three games to date that the Kangaroos couldn’t afford not to play him. He’s just given his side an X-factor, and his four goals last week showed why he is not only a player of the future for the Roos, but an important part of the side right now.

Mark Thompson. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

7. What happens to Mark Thompson if Essendon does the impossible and goes all the way?

Look, the Bombers have to ensure that Bomber stays, regardless of what happens on Saturday night. Just listen to the chorus of Essendon players who have pleaded with the club to keep Thompson when James Hird returns. There is an argument — and a decent case to be made — for the fact that he should be coaching the Bombers outright next season. Unless something dramatic changes everything, that won’t happen. But at the very least he needs to have a “meaningful role” — his word — before even contemplating staying next season.

8. Now that the Tigers are there, will the steam run out as it did last year?

There won’t be the same capitulation there was against Carlton in the elimination final last year. These Tigers appear to be a more mature breed than they were 12 months ago. Richmond has been the story of the back half of the season and it is important that whatever happens at Adelaide Oval on Sunday just builds on what might happen much deeper into September next year. The Tigers can win this week, but it is highly doubtful they can win the flag this year. But if the passion and dedication that has driven them in the second half of the season is maintained throughout next year, who knows what might happen in 2015.

9. Who will be the player of the finals?

Jack Gunston, for mine, as long as his leg issues hold up. He kicked more goals than anyone else in September last year, trumping higher-profile teammates such as Roughy and Buddy, with nine majors. Suspect he might do the same this year.

10. Who wins the flag?

Just liking the look of the Hawks at the moment and it could end with one of the most remarkable back-to-back flags in memory. They lost so many of their good players to injuries during the season and even their coach for a period. But, other than Rioli, the injured players are back and running into good form. And the hunger that drove them to success last year is showing no sign of abating any time soon.

Back to back Hawks? Picture: George Salpigtidis