The site states:

Aubrey profiled me about my experience with Herfooty.

 ——-

Intern Profile: Morgan Stewart

“Do it. In an industry like this, which is so difficult to crack, you only get out what you put in. Interning and work experience is such an important tool in gaining experience and contacts. And as we all know, contacts are so important. Also, don’t feel dejected and give up if you don’t get one that you apply for, it’s bound to happen in an industry with such high competition”, says Morgan.

“Just continue to apply, and apply and apply. If it’s what you love, and it’s what you want to do, don’t be afraid to work hard and put yourself out there. You’ll regret it if you don’t, and you’ll be thanking yourself for years if you do. Whatever you do, DON’T GIVE UP. Despite what anyone says, you can do it.”

 You can read about other interns by checking out the site here.
You can follow My Interning Life of Twitter and like it on Facebook.
You can also follow Aubrey on Twitter.

COLLINGWOOD

The good:

-Andrew Krakouer, Chris Tarrant and Leon Davis: All three players have re-invented themselves over the 2011 season, and the Collingwood players would like nothing more than to reward them with a Premiership medallion.

-Travis Cloke: Arguably this season’s best big man, Cloke is in blistering form, leading him to be touted by many key defenders as ‘unstoppable’. Who can stop him? On a day where weather is predicted to be a big factor, big forwards will have their game style halted. Can Trav beat the weather hoo-doo and become a match winner?

The bad:

-Out of form players: There are a few Collingwood stars that haven’t played to their potential for the last month and will be praying to keep their spot in the side. Players like Sidebottom, Leigh Brown and Didak were/are pivotal players, but haven’t shown it of late. They are lucky to have kept their spot, considering another player in that group, Beams, hasn’t.

-Malthouse’s future: It’ll be in the back of every Collingwood player’s mind, whether they are excited to see Buckley coach, angry they are losing Malthouse or anything in between; it could affect their performance.  

The worrying:

-Darren Jolly and Ben Reid: It’s been splashed across the media all week— Don’t play injured players. The bar was set for Collingwood last year when defender Simon Prestigiacomo pulled himself out of contention for the big dance because he felt he just couldn’t give 100%. Reid’s injury (upper thigh/groin) doesn’t look as bad as Jolly’s (groin) whose injury severely affected his leap in last week’s prelim. Is Cam Wood ready to step into the shoes of Jolly if it comes to that? It’ll be a massive blow for the pies.

-Form drop: Over the last month (from round 24 and through finals), Collingwood have experienced a form slump. They’re not the team that dominated the 2011 season, and they’re definitely not the same side that won the premiership last year.

Worth noting:

-Underdog tag: Malthouse often plays mind games with the opposition and the media in hopes of Collingwood gaining the ‘underdog’ status, which they love to play under. It doesn’t really happen when you’re named the best side in the competition however. But on Saturday, the Pies will go in as the underdog as the experts tip a Geelong win. The Pies finally have a sniff of underdog about them, can it get them across the line?

Why they’ll win:

-Malthouse: In what is expected to be Mick Malthouse’s last game as a senior coach (and albeit if it’s not, it’ll be his last for Collingwood), the Collingwood players will want to win desperately for him. Could that give them an extra little spark?

-Krakouer, Tarrant and Davis: All season the side has said, ‘we’re doing this for Taz and Leon’, add Andy Krakour into that mix and the Pies will be fighting hard for their fellow players.

-Forward pressure: Last year, Collingwood’s forward pressure is what won them each game. This year, many teams have been able to overcome it. If Collingwood regain that pressure on the big stage, they won’t be able to be stopped.

Why they’ll lose:

-Malthouse: Although he could be the very reason why the Pies might win, he could be the very reason why they might lose. No team needs this sort of distraction or pressure in a lead up to a Grand Final. In a storyline that’s been played out throughout the entire season, will it just be too much of a burden for the Collingwood players to carry?

-Weather: Collingwood isn’t known for its wet weather footy. They prefer a dry track that will enable their big power-house men to have big impacts.

-Geelong in red hot form: Geelong has beaten Collingwood both times they have played them this year. Even though the round 24 clash “meant nothing”, it means Geelong can go in very confident.

GEELONG

The good:

-Players look fresh: Unlike the Pies, Geelong have disposed of their finals competition relatively easily, and without hurting their bodies. With the exception of losing Menzel (and in saying that, Geelong had the depth to cover him) and the question mark that looms over Steve Johnson, Geelong aren’t hurting and will be positive and fresh in mind and body.

-Form: Geelong’s recent form has been unbelievable. They’ve blitzed through the finals barely breaking a sweat.

-James Kelly: He’s had a ripper season, a season that saw him named in the 2011 All Australian team. A definite game-breaker, who should continue his great form going into Saturday’s game.

-Wet footy players: Jimmy Bartel and Joel Selwood love hard-fought footy. Bartel ‘the wet weather specialist’, will be hard to stop.

The bad:

-‘End of an Era’: The ‘End of the Era’ talk began at the end of last year for the Cats. They were labelled too old and too slow. Haven’t they made a statement to that in 2011? But it still begs the question. Geelong have a number of players on the wrong side of 30, and reports suggest that a couple of those players won’t play past 2011.

-Cameron Mooney: What a devastating end to the big-man’s career. Mooney revealed this afternoon that he was to be an emergency for the side on Saturday, but when the teams were announced, there was no Mooney to be seen.

The worrying:

-Stevie J: Despite being named, he’ll be given up until Saturday to prove his fitness. In a heart-wrenching moment for Geelong last week, Johnson looked done for after going over on his knee. In a very Buddy-esque déjà-vu type scenario, scans revealed that it wasn’t as bad as first throught, and he could still play in the Grand Final.

Worth noting:

-Bomber Thompson and the media: Geelong, I’m sure, would like nothing better than to stick it up to Mark Thompson and the media who wrote them off at the end of the 2010 season.

Why they’ll win:

-Momentum over the pies: Geelong has beaten Collingwood both times they have played them this year. Even though the round 24 clash “meant nothing”, it means Geelong can go in very confident.

-Retiring players: Geelong fans don’t like to admit this at the moment, but the Cats are an old side. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it just means that over the next few seasons, they’ll lose a few key players. The Geelong playing group will be aware of this too, and it’ll make them hungry to send out some of their stars on a high note.

-Making Collingwood change their game style: Collingwood like playing their own game, and sometimes struggle to adapt when teams take that away from them. If Geelong can make the Pies play on their terms from the get go, Collingwood will struggle to find their way into the game.

Why they’ll lose:

-Lack of leg speed: Compared to the Pies, Geelong lack some genuine leg speed. Especially to run with the likes of Swan and Thomas, who can bolt away within a second or two.

-Clearances: If the Cat’s don’t win the clearances well (eg. if the ball is just kicked forward quickly), Collingwood’s backline will be able to pick off the long bomb in easily. And Collingwood can then hurt them badly on the rebound.

Originally posted at www.herfooty.com.au 

Port Melbourne celebrate their win. Image taken by Michael Klein, Source: The Herald Sun. No copyright infringement intended.

Port Melbourne have written themselves into the history books after winning the VFL Grand Final, topping off an incredible season by the Borough’s. Port overcame a very slow start to power home by 56 points against Williamstown.

Port, who are one of only two stand-alone teams in the VFL, were undefeated during the home-and-away season, which no team has done since North Melbourne in 1918, proving that stand-alone teams can match it with the best. The win breaks a 29-year drought for the Borough’s, and will most definitely gain the attention of AFL scouts. Port Melbourne coach and former Hawthorn champion, Gary Ayres, is aware of the fact that his 2011 Grand Final playing group won’t play together again. “The sad thing about what we did today, this group will never be together again, that is the bottom line,” Ayres said after the win. Dual Liston Trophy winner and Port player, Shane Valenti, should be high on the list of AFL talent scouts (again).

The Western Bulldogs affiliated Williamstown, who had 15 AFL listed players in yesterday’s side, provided an interesting insight into what the 2012 season could hold for the Bulldogs.

Williamstown raced to a quick 26 point lead in the first quarter, with Nathan Djerrkura staring early. But as usual, the Borough’s, lead by star goal-kicker Dean Galea who kicked 4 in the second term, put on a show for the rest of the game, kicking eight goals to lead by 21 points at half time. Port started the third term in style, kicking two early goals. The Seagulls couldn’t take a trick against the Borough’s, who replied to everything the ‘gulls threw at them. Port finished the game with a run of seven goals as the final score read Port Melbourne 22. 12. 144 to Williamstown 13. 10. 88.

Williamstown coach, Peter German, praised Port Melbourne’s efforts, “(Ayres) coached them well,” he said. “They were hungry for it, they were deserving of it.”

Port’s Toby Pinwill was awarded the Norm Goss Medal at the end of the match for best player. Pinwill ended his day with 26 disposals.

Collingwood v Hawthorn

Friday September 23, 7.45pm: MCG.

This Friday night clash epitomises finals, and I don’t think we’ll be let down in terms of a good game. Whilst Collingwood had a week off to rest their bodies last week, Hawthorn had a good win over the Swans, and arguably most importantly— Lance Franklin got through the game with no worries, in fact the star forward kicked four goals.

There is however a cloud over Franklin’s health, as he’s trained behind doors this week due to gastro. The Hawthorn Football Club has said that he’ll be fine, but will the bug mean Buddy goes into the game not being 100%? Collingwood will look to welcome back Dale Thomas and Bed Reid, both who were named in the 2011 All Australian squad. Thomas will come back after a two match suspension, but due to Collingwood’s week off, will go into the game after not playing for three weeks. There’s also a question mark over Reid’s fitness, with the Pies needing him to be 100% fit to take on Hawthorn’s forwards. It looks likely that the unlucky players that will lose their spot to make way for these AA players will be Alex Fasolo and Tyson Goldsack.

The Pies will look to shut down Franklin and make sure he doesn’t have as much of the ball as he did last week. They’ll be confident knowing that when they met in round 15, Franklin only kicked one goal, but the question will be which defender will get the role on the forward, and it will most likely be either Reid or Chris Tarrant. Hawthorn defenders will also be confident knowing that West Coast was able to shut down Collingwood’s two powerhouse forwards, Travis Cloke and Chris Dawes. However, it’s important to note that Hawthorn’s defenders are considerably smaller, and considering Josh Gibson had a ripper of a game last week, Collingwood will be looking to make him accountable.

Although Collingwood ran out winners by 41 points last time the two teams met during the season, Sam Mitchell and Luke Hodge still managed to have 34 and 40 possessions respectively, and will be looking to do the same in the match. Back in round 15, the Hawks also went into the game without Brad Sewell, Cyril Rioli, Ryan Schoenmakers, Ben Stratton and Jordan Lewis.

Collingwood will be looking to play in another Grand Final, and will fight hard to do so, especially for Chris Tarrant, Leon Davis and Mick Malthouse. Hawthorn will be looking to do what they did back in 2008.

Who will go to Franklin? Who can stop Hodge and Mitchell? Who can stop Swan and Pendlebury? Will Dale Thomas be match fit? Can Josh Gibson and the Hawks defenders stop Collingwood’s big men? Will the loss of Mark Neeld during the week affect the Pies?

Collingwood’s 2011 season hasn’t been as impressive as their 2010 one, yet they’re still Premiership favourites, and they seem to be ready to hit their straps at the right time in the season.  I think Collingwood’s big forwards will be too much to handle for Hawthorn’s undersized backline and that might just be the clincher. I predict it’ll be a pretty physical and tough game, and close for the majority, but I think Collingwood will run out winners in the end.

Geelong v West Coast

Saturday September 24, 2.20pm: MCG.

All season, Geelong have been fighting hard and have proved to many just why they should be the Premiership favourites. While they enjoyed a break last week, West Coast met Carlton in an intense battle. West Coast, the team that finished 16^th last year, kept their poise and overcame the blues by 3 points to set up this preliminary final clash against the Cats. West Coast will come to Melbourne flying the flag for all interstate teams.

West Coast will fly over to Melbourne with bruised and battered bodies, whilst Geelong will be fresh and thankful for their week off. Both teams look fairly well off injury wise, and are expected to make very few changes to their line ups for Saturday’s game. The Geelong faithful are hoping for a Joel Corey return, but the question is, if he were to return, who would be left out of the Geelong side?

All eyes will be on the likely matchup between two of three Selwood’s playing, Geelong’s Joel and West Coast’s Scott. Scott Selwood placed a magnificent tag on Carlton skipper Chris Judd last week, and West Coast will be hoping he can back his efforts up this week. Geelong will be looking for their midfielders to break the game open, as they will be aware that the Cox/Naitanui ruck combination will win most of the hit outs against Brad Ottens. They’ll have looked closely at the Collingwood/West Coast week one match to see that it is possible to still win the clearances despite losing the hit-outs. For Geelong to do so, they’ll need to shut down Daniel Kerr, who West Coast will be hoping can influence the game as he did against Carlton. Ottens will also be looking to expose Cox and Naitanui by creeping forward. So expect some big contested battles between Ottens and Cox in Geelong’s forward 50. With Cox and West Coast’s full-back Darren Glass taking care of some of Geelong’s big forwards, the Cats will need to vary who they look for to kick their goals, and Geelong’s depth proves that they should be able to do so quite easily. I expect Geelong cult hero, ‘Stevie J’ (Steve Johnson) to have a big game.

Despite the Eagles wining their last clash against the Cats in Perth, Geelong turned it on the second half to only end up losing by 8 points, when West Coast should have blown them away.  Geelong has won five of their last six against the Eagles, the round 16 loss at Patersons proving to be their only loss. West Coast don’t have the best record at the MCG, with the Eagles only winning one of their last eight games at the ground. However, their game against Collingwood two weeks ago shows that the Eagles are capable of producing a win at the ‘G.

Geelong will be looking to make up for their loss against Collingwood this time last year and West Coast will be looking to capitalise on their incredible 2011 season. West Coast will also have the majority of support from everyone who doesn’t barrack for Geelong, Collingwood or Hawthorn.

Will West Coast’s bodies be too bruised to go up against the Cats? Can West Coast’s big men stand up to the challenge and trouble Geelong’s defence? Will the clash of the Selwood’s have a dramatic impact on the game, or will it be fizzer?  Will the loss of Brenton Sanderson affect the Cats?

Geelong’s loss to Collingwood at this stage last year will be on the minds of the Cats players, and they won’t want to suffer the same fate. Geelong are looking fresh and hungry, which will just be too much against a very tired West Coast outfit. I predict Geelong will run this one out quite easily.

I’m predicting a Geelong and Collingwood Grand Final. What are you predicting? Both these teams go into the prelims as favourites, so are you predicting any upsets?

Originally posted at www.herfooty.com.au 

Hawthorn v Sydney

Friday September 16, 7.45pm: MCG

The first semi final on Friday night is going to be a particularly special one, thanks to Adam Goodes. Goodes will play his 300^th game against the Hawks, and will become the first AFL/VFL player to reach the milestone within 13 years. Sydney overcame the Saints at Etihad last week to earn their semi final spot, whilst Hawthorn went down to Geelong.

Sydney will go into the match without any unwanted changes to their team, whilst Hawthorn look likely to go into the match without star forward Lance Franklin.

The Swans hit form at the pointy end of the 2011 season and have continued it into the first week of finals. In the last month, they have managed to beat Geelong and St Kilda (twice) and come into this game full of momentum. Hawthorn will be fully aware of the damage that Adam Goodes can cause, and will be looking to stop him from having an impact on the game. David Parkin has come out during the week posing the question, who can stop Goodes? The Hawks will most probably play Captain Luke Hodge on him, but will look to rotate, with names such as Sewell, Lewis and Gibson in the mix for the role. Swans ruckman Shane Mumford has also had a month to write home about, with the big man having a big effect on each game the Swans have played, and Ryan O’Keefe had a brilliant game last week against St Kilda. With the Hawks most likely going in without their superstar Buddy, pocket rocket Cyril Rioli will need a big game, and is quite capable of doing so. Hodge and Sam Mitchell will play pivotal roles as per usual, but young players such as Paul Puopolo and Isaac Smith could hold the key to a Hawthorn v Collingwood prelim.

Both teams won’t be satisfied with their season if they lose. Hawthorn would have expected to go further, and Sydney will most likely be frustrated that they can’t break into that top circle of teams. If the Hawks win, they’ll be looking to welcome Buddy back in the prelim, and if Sydney wins, they’ll be looking to break the hoodoo that Collingwood have over them.

Buddy is a big loss to the Hawks, and Sydney has current momentum that could crush most teams. Last week, I went against Sydney due to the fact the match was being played in Melbourne, do I dare do the same this week? I’m going to have to. I think it’ll be a close game, probably a lot closer than many would expect, but I don’t think Sydney can overcome the Hawks at the ’G. Although, will Sydney turn it up a notch and remind everyone how they won the Premiership in 2005? Seeing as I don’t want to tip a draw, I’m going with the Hawks. But only just.

West Coast v Carlton

Saturday September 17, 7.50pm: Patersons Stadium

This second semi final will see West Coast go in as favourites against Carlton. In the first week of finals, West Coast gave premiership favourites, Collingwood, a big scare and made them work for their eventual 20 point win. Carlton, on the other hand, had an easy win over Essendon, but came out with a few injury concerns, meaning it could still be a slightly depleted Blues side that travels over to Perth.

John Worsfold has come out during the week and said that star players Dean Cox and Daniel Kerr are most likely certain starters for the semi final clash. Cox, who donned the rest vest last week due to back spasms and Kerr, who has missed the last three games with back related soreness, are said to both be fine and ready to play.

Carlton however isn’t as lucky on the injury front, as they are set to travel without key players, Matthew Kreuzer and Bryce Gibbs. Whilst Gibbs is set to miss with a shoulder injury caused in last week’s win, Kreuzer is still experiencing a mystery foot injury.

At the same time as Worsfold and his coaching staff will be figuring out who to drop for the weekend’s game (all signs point to Patrick McGinnity), Brett Ratten will be deciding who comes in to the side, especially who will come in for Kreuzer and take on West Coast’s dynamic ruck duo of Cox and Naitanui. Shaun Hampson put his hand up for selection by kicking 6 goals for the Bullants in last week’s VFL prelim, and would be high in the pecking order. Although Carlton’s backline stood up last week against the Bombers, Ratten will have to decide if he needs to add a few more tall’s to the side to take on West Coast’s towering forward-line.

Whilst the winner will go on to play Geelong in a prelim, the loser’s 2011 season is over. If Carlton lose, they’ll finish were they had probably realistically hoped they would. Whatever happens to West Coast, they have already exceeded everyone’s expectations of them.

Scott Selwood will have to play a major role, as he looks set to take on Carlton’s skipper, and 2011 AFL MVP winner, Chris Judd. But West Coast also have to worry about Carlton’s other gun midfielder’s, such as Marc Murphy, who is having a ripping season. I would think that a lot of this game will be won or lost in the midfield. West Coast has the better ruck combination, whilst Carlton has the better midfield. I think if West Coast’s big men get up and play well (Cox, Naitinui, Lynch, Kennedy and Darling), they’ll be too good for Carlton, especially at home. I predict West Coast.

Want to know what I thought last week? Click here.

Don’t agree with me? Tell us why!

Originally posted at www.herfooty.com.au

I wrote this at the beginning of the year about last year’s replay Grand Final.

The excitement of the final quarter was exhilarating. Yes, the game wasn’t over, but the magpie army were excited, and the saints fans were depleted. I kept glancing at my Dad, sitting next to me, grinning like a little kid on Christmas day.

I declared to my parents, in 1999 when I was eight, that I wanted to start going to the footy. It had never held my interest; at that stage, a Barbie could hold my interest for hours, a football game, about three seconds. But every week my Dad, brother, uncle and cousin would go, and I wanted in on the fun. That year, I went to every game I could, and the next year, I became a Collingwood member. In the years that followed, I became a ‘one-eyed’ fan. I got my first Collingwood jumper, I went to Buckley’s Brigade clinics with my brother and cousin, I collected my member’s hat every year, and I fell in love with football; not only the game, but the culture, the atmosphere and the ‘togetherness’ that it all represented.

As the years went on, I began to cherish footy for the time it meant I could spend with my Dad. I loved listening to Dad and my brother bicker during the breaks, about what both teams playing should or shouldn’t be doing, I loved watching them interact with supporters around them about who was in form, who needed to be dropped and what needed to be done in the next half. But selfishly, what I loved most were those rare games when it was just me and Dad. I didn’t always show it, but being at a Collingwood game with my Dad was a little slice of heaven, especially when the pies won. I enjoyed being with my other family that went to the games too, but it was exciting to spend the time with Dad, especially as I got older, finished school and started Uni, those times became rare, which made them all the more special.

2010 was an interesting year for my family. Along with some exciting highs, there were some devastating lows. And yet, there was always football. It was something that had always been constant, and it remained that way last year, adding some sort of normality to the turbulent year that it was. It was a tough year on everyone, but especially Dad. It was a shock when Mum got sick, and it was Dad that had to deal with most of it. He was the one that knew, the one that had to keep it secret until it was known for sure; the one that had to let everyone know what was going on. It was a tough couple of months. After the stress of that, his employer (who he’d been with since he left High School), for lack of a better term, threw him under a bus. Add all of that, together with ‘hidden family secrets’ resurfacing, and it seems like a story line for Bold and the Beautiful, but no, it was just what happened in 2010. My Dad isn’t really the type to wear his heart on his sleeve, he puts everyone before himself, and if something is bothering him—it doesn’t matter, just as long as my Mum, brother and myself are okay.

I think it’s definitely a guilty pleasure of Dad’s going to the footy. Every year he questions whether we should stay members, because of money and the like. It always results in my Mum rolling her eyes, and saying something along the lines of ‘of course you’re going to do it again this year.’ Becoming AFL members last year was probably the best decision we made, it means as well as enjoying all the pies games, we can trod along to other games and just enjoy it for the actual game. It also meant tickets were a little easier to come by, come September.

We got tickets easily enough for the finals games, and all we could do was hope and cross our fingers for tickets to the Grand Final. Unfortunately, the ballot didn’t go our way. We were excited for my aunt and uncle who got tickets, but of course disappointed that we wouldn’t be able to go ourselves. Dad kept talking about the atmosphere of a Grand Final, and how amazing it would be to experience one, and one with Collingwood.

On the Friday night before the Grand Final, my Dad got a call from my Uncle. He had managed to get his hands on an extra ticket, and was offering it to Dad. I was listening from the other room, and because I was only getting one side of the conversation, I was getting confused. Why was Dad saying ‘She’ll meet you there. She’ll be very excited.’ It was because he wasn’t going to take the ticket; he was giving it to me. As embarrassing as it is to say— it’ll be un-surprising to anyone who knows me— I cried all night. I didn’t want to take the ticket; I didn’t want to take it from him. There wasn’t a lot I could do to change his mind, so come the next morning, I couldn’t mask my excitement.

The atmosphere was intense, but not what I had expected. Walking up to the MCG, it was electric, watching all the fans outside, all their excitement. But inside, whilst it still had a buzz, the atmosphere was strange and different. I messaged Dad during the game, each of us relaying information. I was telling him how the Collingwood chant was drowning out the pre-match entertainment; he was giving me injury updates. He called me when the final siren rang, neither of us really knowing what to say, but I could sense just how flat he felt.

The disappointment felt on the Saturday, quickly disappeared on the Monday morning. We got tickets for the replay. We got tickets for the replay. Not only was I going to be able to go with my Dad, but also my brother, cousin, aunty and uncle.

October 2^nd was a great day. The atmosphere was how it was supposed to be, it was buzzing with true supporters. It was buzzing with nerves, and uncertainty and anticipation. We were in prime-viewing seats when Heath Shaw smothered Riewoldt in the first quarter, and from the grin on my Dad’s face, it was going to be a good day. And that it was, and I got to experience it with my Dad, right by my side. Because, side by side we stick together, right?

Towards the end of last year, I was lucky enough to meet and interview sports journalist, Martin Flanagan. One of the biggest things I took away from the interview was that football is not just a game, it’s a way of life for some people, and it brings people together, and gives them memories that will last a life time.

Geelong v Hawthorn

Friday September 9, 7.45pm: MCG.

This encounter sees 2 v 3 clash in a traditional Friday night battle. These rivals provide fans with an intense match every time they play, and we can’t expect anything less on Friday. Geelong comes into the game after a comprehensive 96 point thrashing of top-of-the-ladder Collingwood, whilst Hawthorn had a rougher time overcoming the Gold Coast Suns by 9 points. Geelong won both their 2011 season matches against the Hawks, but the Hawks come into the finals in slightly better form and anything goes when it comes to finals.

Both sides don’t have many injuries to worry about, and will go into the clash close to full strength. Hawthorn will welcome back several pivotal players after being rested in round 24, whilst Chris Scott will have a headache deciding whether to welcome back veteran Cam Mooney. He’s the type of player that can blow the game apart, and all eyes will be on the big man if he plays. Likewise for the Hawks, all eyes will be on Buddy.

With a win providing a week off, and a loss meaning a do or die clash against the winner of St Kilda and Sydney, both teams will be going all out.

The Hawks go in with slightly better form, but it’s hard to go past the Cats who have had the edge over Hawthorn in recent time. I predict the Cats in a close one.

Collingwood v West Coast

Saturday September 10, 2.20pm: MCG.

Minor (and reigning) premiers Collingwood take on an impressive and improved West Coast outfit on Saturday afternoon in the second top of the table clash. Collingwood comes into the game off the back of a humiliating 96 point defeat at the hands of the Cats and West Coast comes in after an easy 95 point win over Adelaide. The Pies won comprehensively over the Eagles the last time they met in round 10, but Collingwood have been dealt some injury and suspension blows and will be weary of the Eagles who have nothing to lose.

Collingwood will dearly miss Dale Thomas, as he dominated the last time the two teams met. However, the Pies are set to welcome back skipper, Nick Maxwell, as well Heath Shaw who is free to play after a stint on the sidelines due to suspension. Leon Davis will also have his hand up for selection, but there are question marks over the fitness of key players Chris Tarrant, Ben Johnson, Tyson Goldsack and Sharrod Wellingham. Mick Malthouse has said time and time again throughout the 2011 season that no person’s spot is safe, so eyes will be on the Collingwood team when it’s announced on Thursday. West Coast looks set to welcome back superstar Daniel Kerr, who although has missed a few games, can turn it on in finals.

West Coast will be hoping that their standout ruck duo of Dean Cox and Nick Natanui can take advantage of Darren Jolly’s recent form slump, and that’s a key factor to an Eagles win.

The winning team can look forward to a week off, while the loser can expect an intense battle against the winner of Carlton and Essendon.

Collingwood’s finals experience and depth should have West Coast covered, but the Eagles will come out firing with nothing to lose. I predict Collingwood comfortably.

St Kilda v Sydney

Saturday September 10, 7.20pm: Etihad Stadium.

The Saints take on the Swans in the first elimination final, and will be out for blood. Having come so close, yet being so far, the Saints have everything on the line. Both teams come into the game in similar form, with Sydney arguably having a slight edge over St Kilda having beaten them in round 22, albeit at ANZ stadium.

There’s a lot of pressure on St Kilda, especially after a very poor opening to the 2011 season. After numerous off-field dramas, the Saints will be keen to show that they deserve their spot. Nick Riewoldt has come under an abundance of scrutiny due to his recent performances, with a lot of critics saying the Saints skipper is using his knee troubles as an easy out. He is without a doubt the key to a St Kilda win, and will need to step up in order to lead his side to victory.

Sydney themselves haven’t had the best off-field lead up to the finals, with the unfortunate and emotional loss of Jarrad McVeigh’s daughter, which has possibly been what has spurred the Swans on in the last couple of weeks, especially with their win against Geelong. Dramatic and emotional events often bring a team closer together, and this will make Sydney want to fight hard. Sydney’s key player is Adam Goodes, who can easily break a game and Shane Mumford, who dominated for Sydney when they last met St Kilda, and was pivotal in the win against Geelong. The Swan’s will also be welcoming back a few players this week, including Sam Reid, who has been a standout for the side.

With everything on the line, the winner can look forward to a match against the loser of Geelong and Hawthorn, and the loser can look forward to Mad Monday.

St Kilda carry a lot of mental scars, and having lost to Sydney only three weeks ago, will it be too much for the Saints to overcome? In a flip-of-the-coin decision, I predict St Kilda, but only because it’s at Etihad.

Carlton v Essendon

Sunday September 11, 2.40pm: MCG.

In possibly the most anticipated match of the week, these traditional rivals will fight it out in the second elimination final. Carlton comes into the game after a loss to the Saints, while Essendon had a chance to rest their bodies (and minds after a narrow win to Port Adelaide the week before) after being awarded the bye in round 24, but all that means nothing when pride is on the line. Both of these teams would like nothing more than beating each other in a final, and both teams will be doing everything to make sure that happens. These teams also drew when they first met at the ‘G in 2011.

The Dons and Blues have fiddled with their teams all season, and nothing will be set it stone until the final teams are revealed. Carlton fans would love to have Jarrad Waite back in the side, but it’s unsure if he can work his way back in. Dustin Fletcher will play in another finals series whether his ankle is right or not, but he will need to be on game to help Essendon to a win.

Carlton has more to lose than Essendon, with Brett Ratten’s coaching future on the line. Can the boys in navy blue turn it on and help secure Ratten his job? Judd as always will be pivotal, but the Blues will be looking for someone to break the game wide open, a small forward type like Eddie Betts. Essendon have nothing to lose so will go all out with James Hird at the reigns. It’s expected to be a tough, intense battle, so the sub for both sides will play a major role.

The loser will have to wait until 2012 for another bite of the cherry, but the winner can look forward to another game— against the loser of Collingwood and West Coast. If all goes as expected, that could mean a bruised and battered Carlton or Essendon side will have to travel to Perth.

I predict a fantastic game, full of all the things that make us love AFL—intensity, loyalty, passion and a bit of biff. Carlton are clearly in the top 5 teams of the 2011 season, but Essendon is a tough team to go up against in an elimination final. I can’t see Essendon beating the Blues at the ‘G, but I expect a tough encounter and both sides to come out worse for wear. Carlton to win this one, but I can’t see them going much further.

Originally posted at www.herfooty.com.au