As you all know by now, Essendon was fifth on the AFL ladder when the league uncovered their training regime-including illegal substances. It won't bother me a bit, despite the fact I like EFC, and was disappointed in how it was handled. A situation almost similar to the Eagles and their 'drug' scandal of 2007, a year after winning the premiership. Anyway, the points were taken away from the Bombers, despite finishing 14-8 (would have finished with 56 points), thus their finals series hopes were taken as well. Coach Hird and a few other club staffers were fined and suspended. They'll take some time before they can get over this. It will take time.
Anyway, it's finals series 2013, nonetheless. The defending premiers Sydney Swans will take on Hawthorn in the first qualifying final, a rematch from the 2012 Grand Final. Fremantle, in their best ladder position in years, travels to Victoria to take on the Cats in the other qualifying final.
Also returning to the finals is Richmond, as the Tigers are the fifth seed. In their elimination final, they will take on Carlton, who, had Essendon remained in the top eight, would have finished about ninth on the ladder. Port also returns to the finals as they travel to Victoria to take on the Pies.
This finals series seems to be a bit odd this year, doesn't it?
To recap:
Qualifying finals
(1) Hawthorn v (4) Sydney
(2) Geelong v (3) Fremantle
Elimination finals
(5) Richmond v (8) Carlton
(6) Collingwood v (7) Port Adelaide
In the states, a couple of these matches can be seen LIVE on either Fox Sports 1 or 2. Check the listings. Also AFL.com.au for live scoring, timing and radio.
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