Daryl sleeps with his eyes open at the Hanoi Swans 2006 AFL Grand Final Party at JASPAS, Hanoi

Thursday’s Taber Talk returns with Daryl to tell us what’ll happen this weekend in the opening week of the 2011 AFL Finals.

Stewards’ Report. Nathan Bock leaks to his family that he’s playing up forward.  Word spreads and his odds of kicking the first goal tumble from 101-1. Nathan Bock kicks the first goal and then celebrates by kicking his team’s 2^nd as well! This form of betting could be scratched soon so get on quickly if you get the good oil.

GEELONG v HAWTHORN            Friday, 7.45pm (MCG)                                             

Buddy magic. Buddy awesome.

How many times have you heard someone say this week, “I’m quietly tipping the Hawks for the flag”?  Myself, I’m waiting to assess their real September form. The Hawks had a whopping eight changes last week and could have at least that many again. Geelong were struggling for form against lesser teams and then turned it on Big Time! They smashed the Carringbush, even though it could be argued the Pies put their cue in the rack very, very early! This year the Cats’ form at the ‘G has been ‘Purrfect’. I find it hard to tip against them when they’ve beaten Collingwood and Hawthorn there twice. Watch the Cats pick all their “talls” as the Hawks lack height in defence. I expect Buddy and Cyril will produce customary moments of brilliance but I’ll stick with the Cats as winning form is good form. If the weather forecast of wet and windy conditions eventuates, this will also suit the bigger-bodied Cats.

COLLINGWOOD v WEST COAST           Saturday 2.20pm (MCG)

Mick Malthouse, as cunning as a platinum fox.

Mick Malthouse has admitted the Magpies have faced more hurdles this year with injuries and suspensions hitting them in the back half of the season. An unsettled line up, again, is their major concern. It’s another case of how many new players can you bring in to a team in one week?  Shaw must be a doubtful starter but it would be interesting to see if he can regain touch after spending eight weeks in the TAB. Another doubt is whether the skipper will get the ‘thumbs-up’. Collingwood had been mighty impressive then went to sleep against the Cats when the whips were cracking! The real question is could they have won it if they weren’t running dead? Probably not but, anyway, should be too good for West Coast in Melbourne. Will understudy John Worsfold try something big to outsmart his old mentor? And that starts with the giant ruck combination of Big Cox and young upstart Nic Nat. The Pies should win but this could be closer than most punters think. Oh, keep in mind, West Coast are lucrative odds at 16-1 for the flag.

SYDNEY v ST KILDA                      Saturday 7.20pm at Etihad Stadium

The Swans can expect to confront a tougher Saints outfit than the group they hosted on their home track three weeks ago. Sydney enters the Finals in good touch with impressive wins over Geelong and the Saints. I’ll enjoy watching superstar Goodes give his team every opportunity to upset the favoured runners. He and Mumford have been in great form recently. St Kilda has had a mighty turnaround after making pre-season headlines for all the wrong reasons. They were in big trouble mid race but securing the home final will allow them to get over the line. Many St Kilda players, particularly the quality sprinter Milne, thrive at the ‘Darklands’. The Saints have a miserly defence and enough quality around the ground to kick the winning score.

CARLTON v ESSENDON               Sunday 2.40pm (MCG

Essendon’s defence is solid when led by old man Fletcher and is well served by the impressive yearling, Heppell. Mind you Port Adelaide kicked 17 goals against them 2 weeks ago. The Bombers are capable of scoring quickly so are rarely out of the game. These two sides have a great rivalry and often the roughie gets up. Last time Carlton were far too good for the bombers but prior to that they played out a draw.  It’s difficult to assess recent form with the Bombers coming off the bye and both teams having selection issues with injured players? The Blues prefer the MCG whereas Essendon have had poor results there, even losing to Melbourne and Richmond. Coach Hird will give his players full reign to go for broke with a nothing to lose attitude. Carlton, on the other hand, are under pressure after losing ‘winnable’ elimination finals the past two years. Not being able to nail the big goals has been an ongoing problem. They have Judd of course, a true thoroughbred and as Carlton finished 5^th I’ll lean their way to win a rugged photo finish.

Julia nervously awaits the outcome of this week's poll.

Last week’s straw poll

Will the Fev be playing footy at an AFL Club next year?

Most discerning readers of Thursday’s Taber Talk say his comeback is more than likely.

This week’s straw poll

[polldaddy poll=5482814]

Yes                                       No