One hundred and eighty four games later and only two teams remain. Melbourne is a buzz with Grand Final week and talk back radio and news print is rifle with predictions of who will take out Season 2009’s grand prize.
I have to admit I'm a little surprised by the swing in favouritism for the flag from arguably the best team all year (St Kilda) to arguably the best team in the last three years (Geelong). In a final series that for the first time unfolded by the numbers, with each highest placed team defeating its opposition I’m not ready to rule out the Saints.
Statistically the Saints sport the best defence ever assembled in the history of the game only conceding a measly 1411 points during the season proper. That is a staggering 67 goals less than their grand final opposition. In addition no team has failed to win the premiership after winning the first 19 games of the season.
While statistics are interesting for analysis after the fact they give us little insight into what will actually happen. The real reason I favour the Saints is a combination of the amount of pressure they place on opposition teams collectively in partnership with their twin towers forward line.
Nick Revolt has had a sensational year and more importantly for any remaining naysayers a magical finals series. I still recall back in the early naughts when St Kilda was still rebuilding, a young blonde headed kid popping up to slot seven goal s over a then far superior Essendon outfit. In that particular match it was to no avail as the Dons easily accounted for the Saints but the warning signs that this kid could play where clear.
Premiers: The Saints by 12 points in an epic contest, the Cats to suffer from inaccuracy once again.
Norm Smith: Nick Revolt for a bag of three plus goals and an incredible last half work rate.
Brownlow Medallist: Leigh Montanga for a breakout season.
Brownlow Medallist Smoky: Mitch Clarke for an outstanding season as Brisbane #1 ruck ...
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