THERE are two principles that have been constantly reinforced during my time around the footy world.

Firstly the old adage 'the harder you work the luckier you get' is certainly true. But there is also a good or bad fortune that can either help or hinder along the way.

No premiership has ever been won easily yet for the first time ever both grand finalists have won 20 games on the way to the premiership decider.

This year there will be one very unlucky loser.

St Kilda - the undeniable champion team of 2009 losing only two games by a few points - versus Geelong – the undoubted champion team of its era losing only eight games in the last three seasons.

Rarely, if ever, have teams of this quality had the misfortune to have an opponent who has been equally dominant. It is extraordinary that the Saints can finish the home-and-away season on top with a percentage of 155, win their way into the grand final and not be raging-hot favourites.

St Kilda reminds me of an up-market luxury four-wheel drive; tough, dependable, able to cruise along comfortably and efficiently on the open road, but able to negotiate rough country as well.

The Saints have built their incredible winning record this year on being really tough in the clinches, mostly winning the contested footy and strangling the opposition scoring.

Conceding only a meagre nine goals per game average is a great testament to their defensive pressure all over the field and to the teamwork of their defenders.

St Kilda's backmen will always leave their direct opponent without hesitation to assist a fellow defender or cover the most dangerous space.

Sam Fisher has been a proven top liner for a few years now, but the improvement in Zac Dawson, Sam Gilbert and Jason Blake along with the continuing shut-down role of Stephen Baker has created a group that is better than the look of its individual parts. 

The Geelong forward line is probably its most vulnerable area in comparison to its outstanding defence and classy midfield. However with Cameron Mooney, Steve Johnson and Paul Chapman plus midfielders who kick goals, their scoring power, although occasionally inaccurate, will test any defence.

In last week's preliminary final, the Bulldogs entered their forward 50 a decent 56 times for only seven goals and 18 scoring shots; a fantastic performance by the Saints' defensive unit but unlikely to be repeated if they are under siege as they were last Friday night. 

This final was undoubtedly one of the most gruelling games I have ever seen. Players from both teams were physically exhausted late in the match. The residual effects of this extreme fatigue will likely be an issue come grand final day whereas Geelong was able to cruise through the last quarter in the big win over Collingwood.

The match-up decisions for the Cats will centre around the best opponent for Nick Riewoldt who has kicked nine of the Saints' 21 goals over their two finals.

Harry Taylor has been the normal Riewoldt match-up in recent games. Geelong's best defender, Matthew Scarlett, took Lance Franklin against the Hawks this time last year and I would not be surprised if he is given the Riewoldt assignment. At least Scarlett is a great back-up if needed.

The other big decision is if Cameron Ling takes his normal match-up against Nick Dal Santo or switches to the Saints' midfield general Lenny Hayes.

All year Geelong has reminded me of a 10-cylinder sports car that has been chugging along on eight cylinders with the revolving door of injured players; Brad Ottens for most of the year and Steve Johnson more recently just to name a couple.  

They have been still good enough to win most weeks, but a long way from their lofty optimum performance level.

It has always seemed to me that Geelong's best is still the best there is.

Last Saturday even with all their stars on the field, it has been a long time since Ottens and Johnson have been in the team at the same time, the Cats were only firing on eight cylinders; very good but not great.

They then produced a second half that was vintage Geelong. All 10 cylinders were back and working in sync and they assumed total control. For any St Kilda supporter it was a scary sight to see the Cats in such dominating form.

I spent a couple of hours with the Saints players and coaches earlier in September and I've got to admit my emotional support is with them. However, my head says Geelong.

They have a level of performance in them that no one else can match. The extra midfield space at the MCG suits their 'attacking through centre square' style and I'm not sure how well St Kilda can come off their gut-busting win over the Bulldogs.

Two great teams but unfortunately the footy gods can only smile on one and for me it will be the Cats.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.