Demons the real deal

COOL, so now I get to write about a finals series I’m not part of, which is awesome because, I mean, that’s every player’s dream, right?!

With that in mind, you will have to forgive me if my heart isn’t in this one. Talking about who might win the flag is not exactly my idea of a good time.

Having said all that, I suppose I can give my opinion on how I think things will go down.

I’ve had Melbourne pinned as the team to beat — outside of Richmond — heading into this finals series, which is why I would have been so confident of giving September a good shake up if we had have got over them in our final.

But they were exceptional on the night and then backed it up against the Hawks the following week.

If they were playing in Melbourne this week I would be convinced they’d make the grand final.

And even though they’re embarking on the toughest trip in footy, heading over to Perth, I’m still tipping them to beat West Coast in what might be the best game of the finals series so far.

Just to be clear, this isn’t at all to diminish the threat the Eagles pose. They lost Jack Darling early in the game a few weeks ago when Melbourne beat them over there and had no Josh Kennedy, so it would hardly be a stretch to suggest West Coast will win.

They will no doubt be favourites heading in, but my gut tells me the Demons are the real deal. But only time will tell.

And as for the Richmond v Collingwood game last night, well I probably could have just stood outside my front door here in Geelong and listened to the crowd — it was the type of atmosphere normally reserved for the dying seconds of grand final. I mean huge. Like, we’re talking the crowd equivalent of Paddy’s head! MASSIVE.

I should just say here that given this is my last article for the year: sorry Paddy, you’ve been the butt of far too many of my “jokes” and people must surely be starting to think I actually don’t like you, but rest assured ... I don’t! Anyway, moving on. Back on to last night’s game. I went with the flow here and tipped Richmond. They’d been so impressive all year and just found a way to win. But Collingwood last night was simply outstanding.

PS: Sorry Patrick, you know I don’t mean it. Hope we can still be friends!