- Brought to you by:
About Robert Walls
About Robert Walls
A former premiership player and premiership coach, Robert Walls continues to stamp his influence on the game as a fearless columnist. Walls was centre-half-forward in Carlton's 1970 and 1972 premiership teams, and was also a member of the Blues' 1968 premiership team. Forced into retirement due to a knee injury, Walls threw his hat into the ring to coach Fitzroy and was appointed without even having an interview. He also coached Carlton (taking the Blues to a premiership in 1987), the Brisbane Bears and Richmond. Along with his hard-hitting columns in The Age, Walls also appears on Channel Ten's AFL coverage and radio 3AW.
Complacent Cats blow chance of greatness
Hawthorn was well drilled to adapt to any situation, while Geelong suffered from having things its own way for too long.
Cats too big and strong
The keys have it when it comes to the outcome of today's grand final.
Little big man
There's not much of Chance Bateman, but what there is of him is all heart.
In-form Saints can ground flying Hawks
Both have claims to victory, which means we are in for a cracking game tonight.
Two coaches stand firm under fire
Lyon and Eade have stayed true to themselves and their players.
Saints no chance if stars go out
While the bottom six were exposed last week, it's up to St Kilda's
top three to drive their team to victory tonight.
Four winners, but only two are sitting pretty
Week one of finals is over and we are left with two eliminated teams, two battered teams, two hopefuls and two who are sitting pretty.
North needs to make up for finals debacles
Wells at top of list of Roos who must fire to repay supporters who backed the club to stay put.
Like the Demons, final round travels a winding path
What a whirlwind finish to the season proper. It's hard to know where to start.
Milne, the little man who stood tall
The Saints forward won over many people with his courageous decision to play only days after surgery.
How to skin the Cats
The 10 commandments to ensure Geelong's bid for glory does not turn into a procession.
How the cunning Cats turn defence into lethal attack
The best backmen play on the opposition's lesser lights, freeing them up to cut loose.
Cats to give Paul Roos a reality check
A heavy loss to Geelong will confirm the Swans can't win a premiership, a win or close loss will show another flag is possible.
Barass and Big Nick help relive glory days of '68
A special bond was formed between players who won a flag when leadership, and television, were black and white.
Don't overlook the sidekicks to the stars
Roughead and Bradshaw, the support acts, are having fine seasons and their efforts should be acknowledged.
Stumbling into poor judgement
Disciplinary matters such as these have the potential to put clubs in an almost impossible position.
Great skippers are made as well as born
Essendon's Matthew Lloyd and Hawthorn's Sam Mitchell are works in progress as captains. Nathan Buckley was the same.
Pie in the sky
Jonathan Brown is yet to re-sign with the Brisbane Lions for 2009. If that means he's coming home to Victoria, Collingwood would be the perfect destination.
Oldies struggle to go the pace
The challenge for veteran coaches Malthouse and Matthews is to keep up with a fast-changing game.
Saints give fans - and themselves - hope
Non-negotiable standards have been set and St Kilda is transformed.
Keep up to date with the latest AFL news.