Hoops

NH: AFL GF Hawthorn vs Sydney

Glad to see a Sydney win. Hawthorn had their chances, but a great result after a great game.

Late word is that Mumford is out and Jude Bolton is playing with an ACL and PCL tear in his knee and is just going to play until it goes. I think the subs will play a crucial part in this one. Coming on late in a Grand Final and having to match the intensity is going to be really tough but if they can use their fresh legs to stamp their influence on the game it could play a pivotal role. Should be an absolute cracker.

Hawthorn to win by 7

Luke Breust to kick the first goal

Luke Hodge for the Norm Smith.

It is certainly going to be a cracker of a game!
I am taking the Hawks in a tight feeling game, but an overall win of about 20+ points

Norm Smith: Brad Sewell
Most Goals: Luke Breust
First Goal Scorer: Jordan Lewis

Why is it that the TAB won't allow an 'all-up' bet on GF?
I wanted to bet on GF winner, all-up on Norm Smith Medallist, but it won't allow.
Same as 1st goalkicker all-up winner or Norm Smith Medal winner.
Would love to see Ted Richards keep Buddy to 5 kicks and no goals, then pick up the medal at 50/1.
Also took Keiran Jack as a back-up
At least Collingwood are not playing, so support for both teams would be 'more even'

Doubt Lewis will get the Norm Smith if he is matched up with Dan Hannebery

Gold DB5

Geez this one is harder to pick than a broken nose!

I'm picking Sydney by 8 and Kennedy for the Norm Smith.

This will be a crackerjack, but I am leaning towards Sydeney.

The weather might play a part, but Hawks like that freeflowing game. Get the ball into the offensive 50 quickly and give Buddy an opportunity to mark it, or else the crumbs go to an extra player because there's two on one with Buddy.

Sydney are a bit more defensive and just a bit tougher. After all, "cockroaches" are harder by nature than those "bluegums". A grand final tends to favour a defensive team, Plenty of noise which makes the offensive panic a bit. There should be a few good hits in the first half and then they start thing about what's coming....

We all saw last week what happened when the pressure was applied to Buddy and the Hawks. Buddy is a confidence player and started missing shots he usually gets. He started getting frustrated. Sydney might be well advised to give away a couple of hard nose frees to Buddy early to rattle his cage.

Sam Mitchell is the key for Hawthorn. I'ld like to see Kieran Jack tag him senseless. I'ld love to see a hip on shoulder on Mitchell a la Brereton 1989.

The umpires worry me and I hope the standard is fair. When you're watching the game, keep an eye out for my "two bounce rule". The AFL never have more than three bounces or break downs in play in a row (must be a TV thing). The umpires will have 2 bounces and then if the ball is held up, they always award a free kick to the defensive team to get the ball cleared out. "over the shoulder", "in the back" .

Sydney by about 14 points. Goodes or Jack for the Norm Smith.

I'm tipping Hawks as well simply because of the ground size (SCG vs MCG) - it makes a difference. I wouldn't say Cyril because he doesn't rack up enough possessions. Hard to go past followers like Mitchell and Sewell, but if the ball gets down there enough, a defender like Gibson maybe. I don't think it will be a high scoring game, so the forwards won't poll much.