This is the only match that pits two finals sides against each other and it promises to be an entertaining affair with the result a good indication of the validity of both side's finals aspirations. The Crows put in a shocker against the Saints last week, but regain important forward Jason Porplyzia for the clash, while the Dogs still have their doubters after failing to hit top gear against the Dons.
The duel … Lance Franklin v Brendan Fevola
They play at opposite ends of the ground and probably won't come near each other all day, but this will be a duel to remember nonetheless. Telstra Dome has already put the 'house full' sign out as the hordes get set to flock to see two of the best forwards around try to make a little history. Franklin is almost assured of kicking the two goals required to make it to 100 goals, while Fev is a long-shot to kick the eight he needs. It promises to be a highly entertaining title bout, with the undercard of a decent stoush between the resurgent Blues and high-flying Hawks a beauty as well.
Goodbye and good luck
A host of loyal and long-serving players will run out for their final matches for their respective clubs at the weekend. Bombers Damien Peverill, Jason Johnson and Adam Ramanauskas, Demons Adem Yze – who will qualify for AFL life membership - and Jeff White and Tiger Greg Tivendale have all either retired or been quietly informed their time is up, and we wish them all the best. All are undoubtedly talented, having plied their craft at the elite level for so long, and hopefully those that desire it can find themselves a new AFL home.
300 not out… Shannon Grant
Grant is one player who has also announced his retirement, but has a chance to add to his tally of 300 AFL games in the finals. Saturday's clash against Port at the MCG will be an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to the decorated Roo, but it's certain that even on his big day he'll have an eye on the week after.
The roughie with a show is … Fremantle
Smirk if you will, but the Purple Crew has had a wretched run this year in losing eight games by a margin of nine points or fewer and cannot be discounted on their home patch. The Pies have lost skipper Scott Burns for the match and Freo will be without Matthew Pavlich, but he was missing last week and the side nearly got over the line in Melbourne. Several Fremantle players will be anxious to put in one last good performance before Mark Harvey mulls over his list changes, and that sort of desperation might see them get the upset win.
Thanks for all your hard work. Oh and one last thing…
Can you throw on a guernsey for us this weekend, Danny? Could young Bomber Danny Chartres be put in the surreal position of having been told his time at Windy Hill is up at the end of the season one week and then make his AFL debut the next? The injury crisis at the club is such that the 22-year-old has been named in an expanded squad for the match against St Kilda and although he's likely to drop back to the emergency list, there is still a chance he could find himself in one weird situation on Sunday.
It will be interesting to see … what sort of reception a couple of old Crows get
The Adelaide faithful marked this round on their calendars late last year after Ben Hudson and Scott Welsh flew the coop for the greener pastures of Whitten Oval. They're assured of a hot reception when they set foot back on AAMI Stadium for the first time in opposition colours and it will be interesting to see how they handle the situation.
Potential banner of the week
Richmond takes on Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday in the only match not to include at least one finalist. On the face of it the clash appears a dead rubber, but the Tiger Army wholeheartedly disagrees …
The Mighty Tigers versus the Damaging Dees
Some say we're wasting our time.
But if we don't pick up the points,
We might not finish in good old position No. 9!
Our Dream Team special … Nick Riewoldt
It's a big week for Dream Teamers across the country, with round 22 doubling as the fantasy league's Grand Final. Eighteen rounds of chest-beating, boasting and high-stakes trading come down to the last weekend in August. For those who have been shrewd enough to hang onto a trade or two this is make or break time. Expect senior coaches across the AFL to pay scant regard to their Dream Team brethren, with more than a couple of finals-bound stars sure to drop out late with mystery ailments. This makes final trading a minefield, but the St Kilda skipper looks a certainty to carve up a young, injury-hit Bomber side that is crawling to the line.
------------------------------------------------------
More Footy Forecast
------------------------------------------------------
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
