AFL Finals Week 4 - Hawks Happy

Despite desperate denials by deluded Dockers fans, the astute footy judgement of Uglybustards was proven correct on the last Satdee in September.

Lack of scoring finesse hurt Freo, with small forward Ballas a culprit much like Milney in the Saints losses. In defence Zac Dawson's pitiful stats (0 kicks, 7 handballs) just didn't stack up against his counterpart at the other end in Brian Lake (16k, 6hb). It was justice that Lake received the Norm Smith, as the other contender in Gunston had the unfair advantage of having Dawson on him. But it was a pity that we didn't get a Norman for Gunston.

Zac Dawson unlucky to miss out on Norm Smith medal for Hawthorn

In Lyon's four GFs his teams have now kicked 9.14, 10.8, 7.10 and 8.14.

Meanwhile Hawthorn, while 5th best defensive team, were far and away the most potent, scoring a telling 25% more than Freo over the season.

For Lyon's part he says he won't crumble.  I would, however, humbly suggest he seeks out a good head-shrink before pre-season, and reads the Malcolm Blight coaching instruction manual on how to kick a goal.

The experienced Hawks have proved themselves a very hard team to beat with their excellent draft recruiting topped up at the trade table with Lake, Gunston, Guerra, Burgoyne and Hale. Can't see those players wanting to go to Melbourne.  The AFL "social" system remains compromised on this point, with the strong clubs attracting trades and free / restricted agents while the lesser clubs are pretty much doomed.

COB Monday 30/9 is your last chance to win great prizes in the Uglybustards "Show Us Your Footy Finals Form" Photo Comp. You can Enter on Facebook, tweet your snap with #showyourform, or email me.

Let's roll the final tape of the year Nikodemos, then read on for the final Uglybustards tipping results for 2013. Well done Hawthorn (you bustards).

AFL Finals Week 3 - Purple and Brown

The favourites came to the fore for the 2nd week in a row in the Prelims after this year's final series began with a few upsets. The good news is we have the best two teams at the pointy end of the season, which means the Grand Final should be a ripsnorter.

Hawthorn's prelim final scoreline was eerily similar to last year's 5 point win over Adelaide where it also almost kicked itself out of contention. However the win over the Cats was much more meritorious and should stand them in good stead for Satdee. And wouldn't Varcoe be spewing.

Freo on the other hand have developed a new style of play seen by no other team this year. Fanatical frenzied pressure at the ball carrier. They did it to perfection against the Swans in the first half but can they keep it up for 120 minutes against an outfit like Hawthorn?

Freo's lack of experience will tell

That for me is the big worry.  As well as their decision to wear the white clash strip instead of the purple, after the AFL forced them to wear white shorts. A white haze descending on the MCG just doesn't feel right.  Then there is the Hawks' finals experience. Whereas Freo has been a basketcase for so long and make their GF debut Satdee.
Finally how can a team with Zac Dawson win a flag.  For mine it is the Hawks by 25.

Don't forget this is your last week to win great prizes in the Uglybustards "Show Us Your Footy Finals Form" Photo Comp which closes Monday 30th September after the GF. There is a huge opportunity to win that Uglybustards T-shirt and stubbyholder that you have always craved. All you have to do is send in a finals happy snap. Any pic at all and you could win! You can Enter here on Facebook, tweet your snap with #showyourform, or email me.

Time to roll the prelim finals tapes Acropolis, then read on for the latest Uglybustards tipping results. And well done Gaz Yaaaaaablett takin Charley home for the 2nd time.

AFL Results Finals Week 2 - Top Four Through

As expected the top four are through to the Preliminary Finals this weekend. Port Adelaide went closest to an upset and might have done so if not for the 3rd quarter when the Cats smashed them. The Swans were the big performers of the semi's, in a team missing key stars LRT, Goodsey and Sam Reid, then losing Tippett and Mitchell in the first quarter, they took Carlton apart, embarrassing their high draft picks with some typical "Bloods" footy. McVeigh's 20 possessions in the 2nd quarter a finals record, his total of 42 for the match only second to Dane Swan's 43 in a finals match. And he did it on one knee.

This week again sees the top two teams favoured to win.  The Hawks are set to finally beat the Kennett Curse after 11 losses. However last time they met in round 15 this year, the Cats had their measure leading by 33 points before getting across the line by 10.

Barich pledges to paint house with toofpick

The Swans are facing mission impossible at Subi this week against a rested Dockers side. The only thing going for them is 80s Eagle Adrian Barich's call that he'll paint a mates house with a toothbrush if Freo get done.  After the Swan's injuries he amended this statement to using a toothpick instead.  Go Swannies.

Remember that great prizes are up for grabs in the Uglybustards "Show Us Your Footy Finals Form" Photo Comp which closes Monday 30th September after the GF. Prizes outweigh entries at this stage so plenty of chances to win that Uglybustards T-shirt and stubbyholder. If you've taken any snaps during the finals series so far, send 'em in! You can Enter here on Facebook, tweet your snap with #showyourform, or email me.

Dim the lights Zorba, and let's roll the tape of the Semi Final highlights, and don't forget to read on for the latest Uglybustards tipping results. BTW Westhoff's last korter potshot aint bad.