Round 18

The results...

Bulldogs draw with St. Kilda

Good result for Collingwood. Instead of one team being just a win behind them, we have two teams a win, a draw, and percentage behind them. There's never really been any doubt that Collingwood would make the finals, but this result goes along way to calming the fears of any worried fans. But judging by the way these two teams played on Friday night Collingwood had nothing to worry about in the first place. The problems with the Saints and Bulldogs are obvious - St. Kilda don't play as a team, and the Bulldogs are terrible if they're stagnant. Both of these matters were brought to the forefront on Friday - the Saints looked awful, and the Bulldogs didn't run. When the Dogs did run (in the final quarter) they looked good, but it was too late.

Geelong def. Richmond

Never in doubt was it? No bearing on Collingwood... Richmond are destined to finish last, Geelong likewise to finish first.

Adelaide def. Port Adelaide

A good result for Collingwood. The Crows are two games back of the Pies, and now the Power are only clear of the Pies on percentage. Port obviously struggle in the wet... just not against Collingwood or St. Kilda.

Brisbane def. Kangaroos

Yet another good result for Collingwood. The Kangaroos are now within striking distance, and the Lions are still a game and a half behind the Pies. This match should also lift the spirits somewhat of Pie players and fans. This shows that Brisbane are truly a force, they've now towelled up West Coast in Subiaco, Collingwood at the MCG and the Kangaroos. Imperative that Collingwood avoid them in the finals.

Sydney def. Melbourne

Never in doubt either. Sydney are building, so the Pies are going to want to beat them come Round 21. Here's hoping for a thumping St. Kilda victory next week in what proves to be the match of the round.

Hawthorn def. Essendon

Bad result for Collingwood, but it's always good to see the enemy fall. Wouldn't worry too much about the Hawks. They didn't look great and they have a hellish run home(it includes Brisbane, Port Adelaide and the Bulldogs).

Fremantle def. West Coast

A fantastic result for Collingwood. The Eagles are too good not to make the four, but an injury to Cousins, Judd or Kerr (a distinct possibility for the first two) and some bad luck could see the Magpies sneak ahead of them. Regardless the Eagles don't have the easiest run home. They play the Kangaroos at the Dome next Sunday in what looms as an important match. Any result helps Collingwood's cause, although a Kangaroos loss would be preferable. Back to the Western Derby though. Had the match remained tighter in the final minutes this probably would have been the match of the season. There's no doubt in my eyes that right now this is the best rivalry in Australian sports. Collingwood vs. Carlton has lost a bit with Carlton's perennial mediocrity, so the Eagles vs. Freo takes top spot. Such a hotly contested, intense contest. These guys genuinely hate each other. I'm dying for a West Coast vs. Fremantle final in Subiaco. Props to Freo for getting over the line. A magnificent performance that keeps their season alive. They have the ability to make the finals, they just like inspiration. Also, Josh Carr's performance yesterday ranks as by far the best individual performance of the season. That was inspired.