Finals Week 1 began Saturday with a bang, and the action took no time to deliver a shock. Sydney forward Tom Papley kicked five goals against Brisbane with a dominant one-man performance, taking control early. The injured Swans captain watched from the sidelines while the forwards took over. Brisbane lost in a shock result, and eight premiership players failed to fire.
Adelaide opens its finals campaign on a confident note, with coach Matthew Nicks entering his September test. Assistant Burns said the team looks set for the finals stage. The Crows are no longer hiding last September's disappointment, yet those memories stay front of mind ahead of their finals fixture.