It’s the first week in October and the first final of this year’s extraordinary AFL season is about to happen – and yes, it’s in Adelaide.
Therefore, we’ve decided to reach out to a few local identities who may or may not know their stuff (although some definitely do) and get their opinion on who will win, and more importantly, where the players should order their post-match meal from (we know they’re still in the bubble and can’t visit in person, as much as they probably want to).
Tonight’s final will also be the first AFL game played since the brand new Oval Hotel was officially launched last week, which you can still check out in our article from last week.
In the meantime, here’s our panel of experts:
Jared Crouch
Ex-Adelaidean and former Sydney Swan 2005 Premiership Player and current Academy Coach
Tip: Port
“It’s a great match-up of two classy midfields with Boak, Wines, Rockcliff and Co. versus Dangerfield, Selwood and an occasional Ablett feeding two big key forwards in Dixon at one end Hawkins at the other. It really comes down to whose defence can stand up, and I’m leaning towards the home side. Hopefully with the home crowd support, the home team can get the job done.”
Post-match meal recommendation: “I haven’t lived in Adelaide for some time. Does the pie cart still operate and does it do deliveries?”
Daniel Buberis
Former Port Adelaide Strength & Condition Coach and Founder of Project Six Foundation
Tip: Port
“If Port can win the midfield, maintain forward pressure and lock the ball in while freeing up Charlie Dixon enough times to allow him to score, Port will win. As usual the game will be won and lost in the midfield, and both teams are stacked with quality, so it’s going to be tough. The crowd will also be important, and I think Port have done enough to suggest that they can handle the pressure.”
Post-match meal recommendation: “I know the boys love their Gaucho’s, so I’ll go with that!”
Johnny Wilson
Fresh FM Daytime announcer – ‘Workday with Johnny’
Tip: Port
“Full disclosure, I’m a diehard Port fan, but I truly believe the boys can get the W tonight. A lot of people think that our young squad will struggle with no finals experience, but I think that could play into our hands as this will be unlike any finals series before. Plus the home ground advantage will come into play, even with less fans in attendance, Port fans are notoriously loud. It’ll still feel like a full house tonight for sure!”
Post-match meal recommendation: “My best advice for a post-game feed for the Geelong players would be to order up from Gunbae on Union street. They do the best fried chicken in town and we all know that cats love birds!”
Catch the final tonight on Channel Seven.
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