Sideshow Mick's Last Gleaming

Qualifying Final 1 - Collingwood -v- West Coast

Krusty old Eddie is now so close to bumping off his old mate, Sideshow Mick. But Mick wants to go out with one last bang, so looks to the big (air) show to do so... the finals. He has already been on the Tyrano-Vision, talking about how he doesn't feel the spark for 2012 at Collingwood, and that agreements may have been made under duress (sure to get any employer running). Now to play out the last act... Sideshow Mick v West Coast Eagles, with Bart Buckley waiting in the wings.

1. Collingwood
The 'Elgin Marbles' of the AFL. Slightly dusty. Slightly broken. Have been around forever. Removed form their former home to the 'Bank Centre' (formerly 'Japanese Car Centre') by those hanging on to the dreams of former empire, with 'new money'. If only they were back at their home.

The premiership is theirs to lose in 2011, and maybe 2012 as well. Strong form at the G, with the only chinks in the armor exposed by Geelong. Might be worried again by then, or the Swans (purely as they choke games). Can't see the Hawks or anyone else getting past them.


2. West Coast
And speaking of 'new money', the very AFL example of flaunting it. Back into the finals after being the best playing list to finish last since... for ever?
And what of the best ruck combo in the land... Can the Cox / Naitanui pair make any dent in the finals. No doubts on Cox as hes proven, but will NicNat continue to be the free-spirited player of week-to-week football, or does stage-fright beckon.

West Coast of course strong at home (barring excusing an early season Sydney loss), but the away form is simply rotten... though we are happy they bumped off the Blue Filth.
With the weather the way it is and the Eagles having a reputation (deserved?) of being dry-track bullies... what looked a good match-up last week may be a train wreck now.


Verdict:
Well... its the maggot-bags for mine. Has to be.
I also have a suspicion the Wet Toast might tank it, knowing a home final next week will give them a chance to re-load and go again.