THE North Central Review journalists have covered the AFL season unlike most, watching hours of football every week and discussing the strengths and weaknesses of all 18 teams.
But we are down to the pointy end and the best week of footy.
Fremantle take on Brisbane in what looks to be a slightly wet contest at the MCG, but that won’t stop two powerhouses from competing at the highest level.
Journalist Cooper O’Brien
Brisbane come into the game the same way they have for the last two seasons – the long way. Somehow, this team continues to be poor at the start of the season, but storms home late in the year to gather enough form to win the flag.
I think Fremantle’s tall forwards will struggle in the wet, particularly in front of goal, as they haven’t been the most accurate team at stages throughout the season. Therefore, I think Brisbane will be good enough without Lachie Neale, as they were last year, and will win comfortably.
Winner: Brisbane
Margin: 33 points
Norm Smith: Will Ashcroft (three in a row)
Journalist Michael Thompson
You wonder how the week’s events will affect Brisbane, but they also know all about what the deal is at this time of year, having won the last two.
Amazingly, this year involves the same player once again in Lachie Neale – you remember the ‘will he, won’t he’ last year? Well, it’s for a different reason this time around, with his suspension and subsequent successful appeal arguably the biggest thing that hinges on who wins, I reckon.
In saying that, I think Fremantle’s ball movement will be too much for Brisbane, who will have to put together a really solid day of scoring from clearance, just as they did last week.
The wet conditions forecast make it interesting, and if Freo can bring the ball to ground up forward, look for the likes of Isaiah Dudley and Murphy Reid to cash in, while Brisbane will also be confident with the likes of Zac Bailey, Kai Lohmann and Charlie Cameron at ground level.
Hayden Young is my best-on-ground pick. His ability to hit targets will stand out in these conditions.
This one goes to the wire, I think!
Winner: Fremantle
Margin: Nine points
Norm Smith: Hayden Young
Journalist Josh Squire
Hard to go past the two-time reigning premiers on Saturday, but I think this week’s events have tightened up the contest.
Wetter conditions could bring the likes of Fremantle’s Michael Frederick and Isaiah Dudley to the fore, with more access coming out of the middle.
I still think the “been there, done that” factor will be too strong, and the Lions will be able to match the energy of ‘Wharfie Time’ if it surfaces.
Expecting a lot to hinge on Josh Dunkley’s role. Who he goes to at the first ball-up will set the tone of the match.
Winner: Brisbane
Margin: 20 points
BOG: Cam Rayner
