Just three games of footy left in the season. But what a bounty of great games there has been so far this finals series. One of the best in many a season. So lets look at the two games that will decide who plays in the grand final.
Cronulla Sharks v Melbourne Storm, Friday 7:45pm Sydney Football Stadium
We all know that Cameron Smith is important to Melbourne but this game well tell us how important he really is. He guile and kicking out of dummy half will be sorely missed. But with Inglis, Folau, Slater, Crocker and Cronk the Storm still have plenty of power. But they have played two very hard games and have been nowhere been their best.
Cronulla have had the luxury of a week off after an easy win. I don’t think the week off is a bad idea this time of year. Cronulla will be hoping that Paul Gallen over comes his injury problems. If he doesn’t play I don’t rate Cronulla’s chance. Also Blake Green is an inexperienced five eight playing in a big game. He will be tested by the Storm.
The one thing that Cronulla have going for them is their defense. It has been miserly all season and they will test the ability of the Storm to break through the line.
I’m going with the Storm but with not much confidence.
Manly Sea Eagles v New Zealand Warriors, Saturday 7:45pm Sydney Football Stadium
For those without a team in the finals, many have adopted the Warriors. And rightly so as their brand of enthusiastic footy has made the finals series. A fairytale run to be within one game of the grand final. Wade McKinnon comes back after a suspension and will give the Warriors added potency in attack.
The Eagles had some good momentum going into the finals. Most of the time they have appeared to play a level or two above most teams and have a good record against the Warriors. But Beaver Menzies needs just one more game to equal Terry Lamb’s record for first grade games. And Manly have unfinished business from last year that will drive them on.
The heart screams the Warriors and I will be certainly be behind them on Saturday night. But the head says Manly.
So a repeat of last year’s grand final is my tip. I hope that I am wrong.
10 responses so far ↓
Bismark O'Measles // Sep 25, 2008 at 11:54 pm
The Storm are lucky to be where they are and CS is a huge loss to them. Even bigger is the fact that the cameras will be watching every bit of contact that gets up over the sternum. They’ve been doing it all year and they’ll have to adjust their game.
I recon there’s every chance they’ll lose – and good riddence to them.
As for the Sharks, their defencive game will serve them well against the Storm and I think they’ll lift.
I’d love the Warrior to win like you Shaun but have trouble seeing it.
Anyhow….. they’ll be good games and “that sad time of year” when footy finishes is just around the corner so we need our fill of ‘good games’.
Me… I’ll be watching the final (Sharks v Warriors !) in the Wrecks Bar at Tangalooma with an icy cold beer. I also look forward to the World cup semi finals and wish everyone (particularly Australia) good luck with that one.
PipPip
BOM
Patrick // Sep 26, 2008 at 8:56 pm
So much for that Cronulla defence
gilmae // Sep 26, 2008 at 9:31 pm
You know that scene from The Simpsons after Sideshow Bob rigs and wins the mayoral election he mounts the stage, stations himself behind the podium and unleashes the finest example of the evil maniacal laugh you’ll ever see?
That’s what I am doing. Come on Warriors!
Bismark O'Measles // Sep 27, 2008 at 7:48 am
Stupid Sharks
Shaun // Sep 27, 2008 at 11:32 am
I didn’t get to the see game. I was taking in my second A-League game. So far, in two games, I’ve seen 14 goals. That is more than some fans see in an entire season.
As for last night, the porch light is still on for the Sharkies.
gilmae // Sep 28, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Might need something a little brighter, Shaun. Perhaps an incandescent ball of gas several million kilometres in diameter might be bright enough.
Bismark O'Measles // Sep 28, 2008 at 10:10 pm
That’s it – season over.
This years finals series has lowered itself, like a sad overweight hippo, into the dreary mud that is Manly v The Storm (yawn). My last excitement at this time of the year was 2005 as you will remember well Shaun.
Anyhow, I’ll probably drag myself to the screen next Sunday and do my very best impersonation of a bloke wot gives a shit about the outcome.
Personally, now the finals series has been ruined, I’m looking forward to the World Cup.
All the best
BOM
Shaun // Sep 28, 2008 at 10:20 pm
It tis a little glum but two things will get me interested in next weekend’s decider.
1. A fitting farewell for Beaver. A great ambassador for the game even if he did play for Manly.
2. I just want to see those arrogant, self-important bozos with a false sense of entitlement lost. Even if it means the unthinkable and going for Manly.
Lochlan // Sep 29, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Damn, a lot of Manly haters here.
Shaun // Sep 29, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Of course. Whaddya expect once you leave the cosy confines of the peninsula?