1. AFL Finals. A staggering comeback from Geelong to pound the Hawks. Dangerfield was awesome. Then Collingwood fell in a heap in the second half and Brisbane pounced. Collingwood had come back but two goals straight after half time was crucial. Cam Rayner is exceptional. Their momentum is unbelievable and they will win it. Too intense and skilled. Geelong have the big names, but Brisbane will be too athletic and too good. Look for a brisk start from Brisbane.
Brisbane are into their third successive Grand Final. One loss and one smashing win v Sydney last year. Geelong enter their third Grand Final in six seasons: 2020, 2022 and 2025. Two dominant teams.
Interesting that the concussion rule automatically disqualifies Tom Stewart from the GF. Ouch!
Adelaide disappeared in straight sets...and the Raiders and then the Bulldogs joined them. Most unusual.
2. Brownlow Medal. Nick Daicos surely wins one! He is the most dominant player week by week. Bailey Smith has been awesome as well. A new club, but he touches the ball so often. How the Western Bulldogs lost him is beyond belief. Dawson (Adelaide) and Anderson/ Rowell (Gold Coast) are also in with a show.
3. NRL Finals. Canberra losing Ethan Strange pre game was a massive loss going in, but they are a tough team. They seemed unphased early. Starling was outstanding early. So quick from dummy half. Great to see a comeback of the flick pass. Nicho's try was a cracker. The costliness of a repeat set or not completing your sets is huge in sudden death rugby league. The Sharks have won two semi finals...that is incredible for them to now play Melbourne for a chance of the Grand Final.
The minor premiers, Canberra, are gone in straight sets! Losing two straight games at home too. Extraordinary. The Sharks are certainly no frills, but withstood the pressure early on. The Raiders gave up a lot of points in winning very regularly this year. Their defence was found wanting in the end.
The Panthers? We have been saying it here for a long time now... they are on and ready to pounce. Their first half v the Bulldogs was the best half of NRL Finals footy we have seen in many, many years. They will be too good for the Broncos, especially if Pat Carrigan is out. Injuries to Billy Walters, Brendan Piakura have been untimely... talk of Reynolds and Mam coming back for the game may just be that - talk. Troops are short at this time of the year and only the fittest survive.
Unfortunately the grubby Brandon Smith - Victor Radley cocaine matter has spilled over every day this week, boring everyone to death. Smith should be banned for some time. He is a repeat offender and is a problem for club culture. Uncle Nick did not muck around with Victor. A stint on the sideline won't hurt Radley's multiple concussion recovery.
4. FI - Azerbaijan GP. Piastri is struggling a fair bit since the long break. he needs a strong showing here...they are coming to knock him over! Starting on ninth on the grid is a terrible result for McLaren. Verstappen is likely to win again and surges back into championship contention.
5. EPL. Nottingham Forest are going so poorly. A 1-1 draw with Burnley was pretty average. Ange has about ten weeks or his career in Europe is finished. Losing to Swansea mid week in the Carabao Cup does not help.
6. World Athletics Championships - Tokyo. Jess Hull becomes the first Australian woman to win through to the 1500m and 800m finals. A bronze medallist in the 1500m was an awesome moment. Tremendous work, especially after her fall in the heats. Gout Gout ran well, but gee we get excited in Australia about our sprinters... he finished 18th. A young man on the rise, but it is so challenging on that stage. Our discus throwers and high jumpers have not finished yet either!
No comments:
Post a Comment