2017 AFL finals: Herald Sun experts predict how September will pan out
HAS Charlie Curnow done enough to top McGrath, Burton and Powell-Pepper for the Rising Star? The Herald Sun’s footy experts predict who will win all the big awards.
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IN THE most even season in memory, it all comes down to the next five weeks.
Who will win the flag, the Norm Smith Medal, the Brownlow and Rising Star Award?
The Herald Sun’s footy writers also nominate their September surprise and fess up to what they got right and wrong from their pre-season predictions.
FINALS WEEK ONE: WHO IS PLAYING WHO
According to the experts the Cats and Crows are the teams to beat — but we know how hard tipping has been this year.
Scroll down to see all our experts’ tips, and revisit what they predicted before Round 1.
ROBBO SAYS: The Crows are strong across the board. Midfield was supposed to be the weak link, but have largely matched it against big-name opposition midfields, we know the potency of their forward line and the defence has stoppers, rebounders and interceptors. If all goes to plan it’s home final into home final and on to the MCG.
RALPHY SAYS: Consider recent history — you back in the team that hits form as we reach September. The Giants’ injuries are evaporating, they have rediscovered their pressure game, they have more talent than the rest of them.
SAM SAYS: The Crows are ranked No. 1 for offence, goals per inside 50m and defending opposition ball movement and they’ll get two finals at Adelaide Oval, where they’ve won 25 of their last 30 matches. The Swans loss? Crows had 21 more inside-50s, seven more scoring shots and 21 more contested possessions. That’s an anomaly.
ANDO SAYS: The likely return of Joel Selwood, Mark Blicavs and Nakia Cockatoo has a 2016 Western Bulldogs feel about it. If Selwood and at least one of the others make it, then it significantly strengthens the Cats’ bottom six.
SAM SAYS: There are parallels between Richmond’s game and the Dogs of last year. Manic pressure is made for September. MCG should hand out earplugs, for this will be a bursting roar.
MICK SAYS: KB was on the money — the Giants are the Winx of the competition. Best list by a country mile.
J AY SAYS: Joel Selwood makes miracle recovery, Patrick Dangerfield’s Norm Smith eases Brownlow anguish and the Cats go and add Gary Ablett for next season.
ELIZA SAYS: Sometimes you can do your head in trying to find reasons to get the favourite beaten. Finished on top for a reason. Tex and Daniel Talia will be super fresh for week one.
MACCA SAYS: The Crows have been the most consistent team of the year and look exceptionally hard to beat with the prospect of two home finals. So many X-factors in attack, strong defence and a midfield that just keeps delivering.
GILBERT SAYS: Too much firepower and class across the park, the Giants need only get their heads in the game to create history.
BEC SAYS: The ladder position might not look as cosy outside the top four, but the Swans are the hot team heading into the finals. Building momentum since their slow start and peaking at right time.
LAUREN SAYS: The Crows have hit premiership-worthy numbers consistently all season and think they’ll be primed. They have contributors on every line — a great premiership recipe.
MICK SAYS: I am a strong believer in a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. The Crows home ground advantage, and potential two home finals, should get them through to the grand final. It took a side as slick as Sydney to open them up on the enormous Adelaide Oval ground, but they would have learnt from that.
LLOYDY SAYS: Adelaide will win the premiership because tit should get the dream passage of two home finals into the grand final and they have proven all year that they are the most destructive side in attack. They have built a steely resolve though the midfield this season led by Rory Sloane and the Crouch brothers.
CHRIS SAYS: Crows have been the best team all year and remain so, with few weak links across the ground. Their midfield has improved and their forward line is the most potent in the competition.
SCOTT SAYS: Never thought they could win it until saw the number they did on GWS on Saturday night. Might get dream finals draw — which is essentially missing playing Sydney until the GF. Need a few lesser names to stand up but get the sense Patrick Dangerfield is on a personal mission to at least make sure the Cats win it before his former team.
KINGY SAYS: Rory Sloane, Taylor Walker and Daniel Talia’s leadership is coming to the fore and they’re ready to win big finals. The AFL’s most efficient attack whilst defensively still ranked top 4. Matt Crouch, Rory Atkins and Brad Crouch are sharing the midfield load the was all Rory Sloane’s last season.
DERMOTT SAYS: In a very even football season, no team is head and shoulders above the rest. Therefore in an even and unpredictable season, I’m selecting the team with the most talent: the Giants.
REVISIT OUT OUR EXPERTS’ PRE-SEASON PREDICTIONS ...
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