The 2009 AFL Grand Final against St Kilda and Geelong is set to be one of the best of all time especially after the round 14 “game of the season” between the clubs earlier this year.
Both teams are going into Saturdays match with high hopes and have been in great form leading into the game.
St Kilda
The Saints have with no doubt been the best team this year only losing two games for the season. I think they have the list to win the Grand Final on Saturday and should do so. My prediction is the Saints by 14 points.
The match will be won in the midfield and the Saints on paper seem to match-up better with Geelong in this area.
I’m expecting the Saints to once again to get off to a slow start and will most likely be behind at the first break. Once they start to relax into the game and get an idea of Geelong’s game plan they will put the squeeze on them in the middle of the ground and turn thing around. This is where it will come undone for Geelong.
I expect coach Ross Lyon to pick an unchanged side that beat the Bulldogs by 7 points last week which will see club favourite Max Hudghton on the side lines. Hudghton, who played in St Kilda’s losing 1997 Grand Final would be a good fit in the back line, but with minimal match time in the last few months it would be a massive risk picking him going into the final.
Geelong
The Cats have had another great season finishing second on the ladder and are going into the Grand Final as clear favourite with the bookies after excellent form in the final series. They have managed the injuries to their key player well and have a full list to pick from.
Although Matthew Stokes was dropped for the match against Collingwood last week I expect him to get the nod this week. He playes fairly well against the Saints and would be expected to kick a couple of important goals.
Alot of people are saying Geelong will be spured on after the Grand Final loss last year. I think if they are down a couple of goals in the 2nd half the preasure of potentialy losing another grand final could see them crumble.
Paul Chapman will be the key to Geelong winning or losing the game, if he can shake his tagger it will go a long way to Geelong kicking a winning score. This will be a tough ask against the leagues top defence and will be worth keeping an eye on.
Odds & Tips
Match Odds
Here are my top 5 best bets for the game.
- Norm Smith Medal Tip: Nick Riewoldt with odds of $11.00
- Load up on Geelong to win the 1st quarter paying $1.82
- Take the Cats/Saints Half Time/Full Time Double paying $8.20
- Saints to win by under 39.5 with odds of $3.10 at Betfair
- I also like Nick Riewoldt in the most goals market at $3.00
Telecast Times:
Australia:
The game is live around Australia on Channel 10 with the telecast starting at 8:00am AEST
The AFL Radio stations are covering the game include ABC774, K-Rock, SEN, Triple M and 3AW.
International Telecast:
The AFL Final is beamed on TV live around the world. Here’s where you can catch the game.
UK: ESPN from 5:30am BST
USA: ESPN Classic from 12:25am US/Eastern or at ESPN360.com
ASIA: Australia Network 11:30am Hong Kong/China. 10:30am Indonesia/Thailand
