September. It’s coming up all too fast. The month that every footy mad fan in Australia longs for. Because September means finals football. It means triple the intensity of every game, and naturally, the importance of every hand-pass, kick, mark, point and goal grows exponentially. So much to win, so much to lose. Even better is the fact that both Sydney teams are looking fairly set on playing finals football in what has been one of the most unpredictable seasons in living memory. Along with the talk of finals, we take a look and reflect on the incredible Multicultural Round and Festival that took place in late July as well as a look at the close tipping race between our experts. Here’s this week’s Round Roundup!
Multicultural Festival
You’ve heard me harp on and on about multiculturalism and its recognised importance in the AFL and the broader Australian community. Firstly, hopefully that made you get up and go check out the festivities! But secondly, if you didn’t, it’s worth noting how brilliant and special this year’s celebration was. Whilst the GIANTS played the Fremantle Dockers and won a thrilling match, the footy took a backseat with the celebration of different cultures taking centre stage. With special performances from Turkish Folk Dancers, Tai Chi workshops, L-Fresh Lion’s latest beats and the Diversity Cup between India, Philippines and New Zealand the festival highlighted what is beautiful about both AFL and Australia’s diversity in general. Many Cultures, One Game – the motto of Multicultural Round and the festivities highlighted exactly that. It makes you proud to be a follower of AFL and even prouder to be an Australian-Indian.
Finals Football
I told you to never lose faith in your team. The Swans started the season by losing the first six matches of the season. Now, they’re set to make history by qualifying for the finals after such a horror start. It tells you a great deal about both the unpredictability of this season and the determination of this strong Swans outfit. In the last seven matches, the only team the Swans have lost to are the Hawks, whose finals hopes are effectively over. The Swans have managed to score victories over the Bulldogs (reigning Premiers), GIANTS and Geelong – all of whom are some of the top contenders for playing finals football. Whilst the Swans have virtually secured their spot in the top 8, a win against the first-placed Crows will give them a shot at securing a top 4 position. So much to play for!
The GIANTS on the other hand are suring up second place and after a series of underwhelming performances were able to showcase their skill by their absolute drubbing of the Western Bulldogs. Sydney is going to be well represented in the finals and with so many players returning from injury for the Giants, they’re going to be one hard team to beat.
Round 22 Tipping
| In current ranking order | Khushaal Vyas (118) |
Bhai (117) |
Margit Shah (115) |
Tanya Sinha (112) |
Smit Bhatt (103) |
| Adelaide Crows v Sydney Swans | Swans | Swans | Swans | Swans | Swans |
| Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide Power | Power | Power | Bulldogs | Power | Bulldogs |
| Collingwood Magpies v Geelong Cats | Cats | Cats | Cats | Cats | Cats |
| Greater Western Sydney Giants v West Coast Eagles | Giants | Giants | Eagles | Giants | Giants |
| Gold Coast Suns v Essendon Bombers | Bombers | Bombers | Bombers | Bombers | Bombers |
| Carlton Blues v Hawthorn Hawks | Hawks | Hawks | Blues | Blues | Hawks |
| Melbourne Demons v Brisbane Lions | Demons | Demons | Demons | Demons | Demons |
| St Kilda Saints v North Melbourne Kangaroos | Saints | Saints | Saints | Saints | Saints |
| Fremantle Dockers v Richmond Tigers | Tigers | Tigers | Tigers | Tigers | Tigers |