The AFL Finals Shuffle: When Team Sheets Tell a Bigger Story
There’s something about finals footy that turns every team sheet into a Rorschach test. You look at the names, the ins and outs, and suddenly you’re not just seeing players—you’re seeing strategies, risks, and the ghosts of seasons past. This week’s qualifying final between Fremantle and Hawthorn is no exception. On paper, it’s a clash of two teams fighting for preliminary final hosting rights. But if you take a step back and think about it, it’s also a masterclass in the art of selection, psychology, and the high-stakes gamble of September footy.
Fremantle’s Bold Gamble: All In or All Out?
One thing that immediately stands out is Fremantle’s decision to recall four key players. Murphy Reid, Jye Amiss, Heath Chapman, and Sam Switkowski are back, and personally, I think this is more than just a tactical move—it’s a statement. The Dockers are loading up like a team that’s tired of being the nearly-men. But what makes this particularly fascinating is the inclusion of Brandon Walker. His return after just three games in two seasons feels like a Hail Mary pass. Is he the answer to Nick Watson’s unpredictability? Or is this a case of desperation masquerading as strategy?
What many people don’t realize is that Walker’s recall isn’t just about his ability to shut down Watson. It’s about Fremantle’s willingness to roll the dice on a player who’s barely seen the field. In my opinion, this speaks to a deeper issue: the Dockers’ lack of defensive depth. Brennan Cox’s calf injury is a huge blow, and omitting Judd McVee, Tobyn Murray, and Bailey Banfield feels like a risky bet on experience over form. If you take a step back and think about it, this team sheet is less about who’s in and more about who’s missing.
Hawthorn’s Calculated Risk: Ginnivan’s Return
On the other side, Hawthorn’s selection is a study in minimalism. Jack Ginnivan is back, and that’s it. No major shake-ups, no bold statements—just a livewire forward returning from injury. But here’s where it gets interesting: Ginnivan’s inclusion isn’t just about his skill. It’s about what he represents. He’s the wildcard, the player who can turn a game on its head with a moment of brilliance or a moment of madness.
What this really suggests is that Hawthorn is banking on their system over individual brilliance. They’ve beaten the Eagles by 62 points at Optus Stadium, and they’ve lost to Fremantle in a thriller. This isn’t a team that’s going to reinvent the wheel. But with Ginnivan back, they’ve added a layer of unpredictability that could be the difference between a win and a loss. Personally, I think this is a smart move. In finals footy, you need both structure and chaos, and Ginnivan is the embodiment of the latter.
The Venue Factor: Optus Stadium’s Unpredictable Nature
Speaking of chaos, let’s talk about Optus Stadium. This isn’t just a venue—it’s a character in this story. Hawthorn has played here twice this season, with wildly different results. They lost to Fremantle in round nine but thrashed the Eagles a fortnight ago. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the stadium seems to amplify both the best and worst of teams.
From my perspective, this game will be decided by which team can harness the energy of the crowd and the dimensions of the ground. Fremantle has the home advantage, but Hawthorn has the recent form. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just a game—it’s a test of adaptability. The team that can impose their style on the game will win, and the venue will play a bigger role than most people realize.
The Broader Implications: What This Game Tells Us About Finals Footy
This raises a deeper question: What does this game tell us about the state of finals footy in 2023? Personally, I think it’s a reflection of how fine the margins are. Fremantle’s all-in approach and Hawthorn’s calculated risk are two sides of the same coin. Both teams are trying to find an edge, but they’re doing it in completely different ways.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how both teams are dealing with injury and form. Fremantle is bringing back players who haven’t had much game time, while Hawthorn is relying on a returning star. This isn’t just about who’s fit—it’s about trust. Do you trust a player who’s match-hardened but out of form, or do you trust a player who’s fresh but unproven?
Final Thoughts: The Beauty of September
If there’s one thing this game reminds us, it’s that finals footy is as much about the stories as it is about the results. Fremantle’s bold selections, Hawthorn’s minimal changes, and the unpredictability of Optus Stadium all add up to a game that’s impossible to call.
In my opinion, this is why we love September. It’s not just about who wins—it’s about the decisions, the risks, and the moments that define a season. Personally, I can’t wait to see how this plays out. Because in the end, it’s not just a game—it’s a narrative, and we’re all just along for the ride.
