SAINTS VS DOGS, PIES VS CATS, WINNERS CLASH IN GRAND FINAL

Both teams fans dearly want to be holding up the Premiership Cup on Saturday the 26^th of September. Both have had their fair share of heartache, particularly in the 1990s. The Saints finished in top position for September courtesy of a 20-2 home and away season losing only to the Bombers and the Kangaroos. Their stumbling close to the campaign was soon forgotten thanks to the Nick Riewoldt-inspired win over Collingwood in the qualifying final. The Bulldogs lost 7 games during the season went down to the Cats in the opening weekend of this finals series but it was close and they could have won. They bounced back against Brisbane Lions last weekend. Mitch Hahn kicked four goals and Ryan Griffen got his groove back. The Saints have won both contests between the teams this season.
 
The Dogs have got harder this year, but are they hard enough to match St Kilda? The Saints hold the advantage in average tackles (+9), contested possessions (+3.2) and "one per centers" (+7.5) per match in 2009.
 
"We certainly had a good week on the track and they've been driven physically, they've worked hard and we've mentally kept them tuned in. Ultimately we'll be judged on what we produce on Friday night, so it's hard to tell. “Said Saints coach Ross Lyon.

"Both teams have got an equal amount to lose, it's a grand final berth up for grabs, it's the same with all four teams, it's equal footing, it's a do-or-die situation." Said Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade.  

The week off can only helps St Kilda and a couple of their sore players, including skipper Nick Riewoldt who had a bit of a knee worry. They should come out fresh and really hungry to have a crack at the Bulldogs The Dogs have earned a bit more credit in regards to their win last week over the Lions. They showed some good signs. In a nutshell it's going to be the fast and furious Western Bulldogs trying to overcome the brilliant and complete defense of St Kilda. If they can turn it into a shootout then the Dogs are a chance, but the Saints just don't allow that very often. Ryan Griffen looms as the key man for the Bulldogs, along with Adam Cooney. Those two are capable of breaking the game and St Kilda's zone apart with their run and carry.  

 The Second Preliminary Final sees the Cats Play the Pies. Collingwood kept their premiership hopes alive with a stirring come-from-behind win against Adelaide Crows at the MCG. John Anthony's clinical finish from distance, one of his few touches on the night, was enough to propel the Pies into the preliminary final. It's a step further than they achieved last season. Scott Pendlebury is unlikely to come into the 22 but Josh Fraser is given a chance. Geelong, the best-performed team of the past three years, head in as favorites after a week off. They were professional but not polished in their 14-point qualifying final win over Western Bulldogs. Mercurial forward Steve Johnson has used the recovery period to rehabilitate his hip. If fit, he's the key plank in the Cats' forward line. Geelong has won three of their past four against Collingwood, including a five-point triumph in the classic 2007 preliminary final. 

Geelong are likely to start with 20 out of the 22 that played in the 2007 preliminary final win over Collingwood; the Magpies will have only 13 of the 22 from that night. Among the absentees for the Pies will be retired greats Nathan Buckley, James Clement and Scott Burns. Only Josh Hunt (injured) and Nathan Ablett (retired) won't be in the blue and white an incredible statistic considering the pace of AFL today.

"There's no question we're under pressure, but so are Collingwood, so are the Bulldogs, so are St Kilda. We're all under pressure, that's what we're here for; we're down to four teams." Cats coach Mark Thompson revealed.

"Any side believes they can go up against any opponent at any time and beat them and we're no different in that regard." An optimistic Magpies young gun Dale Thomas said. 

Geelong at their best would cover Collingwood at their best and that is why the Cats will go in favorite to compete in their 3^rd consecutive grand finale.. The Magpies were great last week and cover injuries as well as any club in the competition.  But beating Geelong after a week off is a huge task. They will need their big guns all firing and probably a bit of luck as well. As for the Cats, they won't risk players who aren't fit. Steve Johnson and Max Rooke are the two under injury clouds.

The 2009 AFL Grand Final will be on Saturday the 26^th of September and be shown in Thailand on the Australia Network.