One could not be anything other than mightily impressed by the Giants on the weekend. Most pundits had the dogged, perennial finals performers Sydney as a huge hurdle for the Giants. They dismantled them with consummate ease. I have not seen a recent Swans team looking so lethargic, defeated and devoid of solutions as the team that bore the brunt of the rejuvenated Giants.
The Swans simply had no answers to the tenacity and slick ball movement of the Giants and as the game got longer the Swans’ heads dropped further. Apart from 2 goals in the last couple of minutes the Swans were every chance of kicking 2 goals in a cut-throat final – unimaginable (albeit 6-10 is their range!).
Much credit must go to Leon Cameron who I have been critical of in the past. I know Camo quite well and was surprised at his appointment given his relative inexperience and the massive task the AFL had to secure an extremely difficult post in Greater West Sydney.
He has seemed out of his depth over time. Unable to maximise the astounding level of talent at his disposal. That very obvious fact along with a questionable culture, leadership and management program provided strong evidence that you don’t send boys on a man’s mission.
For reasons unknown – perhaps simply a combination of maturity and experience from coach and players – the Giants have started to deliver upon expectations. This has been achieved with a wretched run of injury that would render lesser talented lists useless. It speaks volumes for the depth of talent evidenced by the fact they still retain nearly a full team of first round draft picks – the industry average is single digits (some on the low end of that!). The key point is they are now entering the “go” zone for experience/games to compete on the big stage.
Collingwood, for reasons City Hall could only explain (poorly I might add also), have to deal with the most difficult interstate trip on the shortest recovery time – yet they finished top 4? Interesting and mind boggling?
Buckleys heroes have taken on all before them this year in a most impressive display however this one seems to me to be a bridge too far. The only upside is playing the game at the MCG. Cox also will be more influential as will DeGoey. Goldsack’s ability to overcome his knee injury was Herculean and will provide a massive fillip for players.
Sometimes a gut-wrenching, nail-biting loss can have a severe impact on spirit and morale – it saps it dry. I’m sure Buck’s will be aware of this and manage the team accordingly.
The Pies will need to match the immaculate kicking skills of the fleet-footed Giants with their manic pressure and defence.
All things being equal this will another classic with the teams separated by the barest of margins.
I’ve been on the Giants for delivering on their talent for some time, so the time is now – Giants by a kick.
Thomo 
This is another reason why i dont like free agency, the conjecture at the end of the season affects most teams and has to have some destablizing affects. It doesnt matter which team it seems to happen to almost everyone at some point in time. Although this year GWS (dylan sheils etc) and Hawks seem to be the finalist it can destable the most.