Collingwood, who finished fourth at the end of the home-and-away season, met first-placed Hawthorn who comprehensively won by 37 points. Against the West Coast Eagles (like the Crows did against the Dockers) the Magpies were chasing their out-of-town opponents. Collingwood proved that they can score quickly, with three successive goals to Dale Thomas in the space of six minutes at the beginning of the second half, giving them the lead and boosting their confidence, while sapping the Eagles.
In both matches, lead changes ensued and by the final siren, Adelaide led narrowly by 10-points; Collingwood by 13-points.
While it was no surprise to see the two West Australian teams in the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles, bow out of the 2012 AFL Finals Series against their respective opponents, they did so gallantly and on the road – starting as underdogs they both had their chances to win; both had good leads early in the match; both lost their lead in the third quarter that included several lead changes and were leading early in the fourth quarter; but the strength and class of the Crows and the Magpies came to the fore.
Of concern for this weekend’s Preliminary Finals’ form, neither Adelaide nor Collingwood’s wins were easy, nor were they convincing.
A stern do-or-die test awaits with the tables turned. Now after having played in unrelenting finals, the ‘Pies and Crows will have to travel for the first time in the 2012 AFL Finals Series.
Sydney vs Collingwood
ANZ Stadium, Friday Sept. 21, 7.50 p.m.
This should be the closer of the weekend’s two Preliminary Finals, with the winner harder to predict.
Collingwood will start full of confidence as they look to stretch their streak to 12 consecutive wins against the Swans.
At the ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Olympic Park, Collingwood have won seven straight matches and, since 2012, have won 10 of their last 12 interstate matches. The issue of being disadvantaged playing outside a team’s home state doesn’t appear to be a concern for the Magpies in that period. There are many variables though, such as key players missing, who the opponent is, how difficult the match was the week before and how many days rest before fronting up for an interstate match, that are impossibly hard to factor in.
And herein lies the problem that Collingwood faces. They may have had the upper-hand in recent times, but on this occasion they will have a six-day break compared to Sydney who didn’t play last weekend.
Compounded by injury concerns to several key players and their physically demanding Semi-final, Collingwood may find it impossible to withstand a fresher and a less-injured Sydney whose team line-up has been very stable this year.
As is often the way after having a week off, the Swans may appear lethargic at the start, but once settled in should have the answers to the Magpies defensive pressure. Collingwood will be loath to start the game as they did in their two preceding finals, where in the first quarter they conceded four goals and scored two against Hawthorn, while they scored five goals to three against West Coast.
Questions need to be answered whether Sydney’s mid-field can match it with Collingwood’s—they should, and again, battle weariness should be telling. If Sydney can be within three goals at the end of the third quarter, they will likely run over the top of and put an end to Collingwood’s aim of appearing in their third straight Grand Final.
These two teams met just once during the 2012 season in Round 20 with Collingwood winning by 8-points at ANZ Stadium. Sydney’s inaccuracy cost them dearly: 12.6 (78) to 9.16 (70)
Hawthorn vs Adelaide
MCG, Saturday Sept. 22, 5.15 p.m.
Hawthorn should overwhelm Adelaide and win this match comfortably. They are the in-form team in the competition, whereas Adelaide have been patchy in the last month.
The Hawks have won 13 of their past 14 games to the Crows, 10 of their past 14, finishing the season first and second on the ladder, respectively. A lot has been made of Adelaide’s easier draw that helped them to second place after playing 22 matches this season. Conversely, Hawthorn’s draw has been considerably harder.
Their mid-fielders may be evenly matched and while Adelaide have the fire-power to kick a large score, Hawthorn’s backline is strong enough to restrain them while launching into attack themselves. The Hawk’s forwards, however, will be too good for the Crows to restrict them from getting a match-winning rush of goals.
Adelaide will have the benefit of an 8-day break to Hawthorn’s having had last weekend off. So recovery should not be a problem for the Crows, but meeting the Hawks at this venue will. Adelaide have not won away from home in their past five finals attempts.
These two teams met just once during the 2012 season in Round 3, with Hawthorn thrashing Adelaide by nearly 10 goals at the MCG: 21.14 (140) to 12.12 (84).
