Welcome to ESPN Australia's footy contest for the 2022 AFL finals series: Footy Finals Challenge!
What is it? It's a free-to-play game, where you take a few minutes to answer a series of questions related to the upcoming AFL finals series, which starts on Thursday, Sep. 1, and ends with the Grand Final on Saturday, Sep. 24. You can play against your friends, family and coworkers, while also trying to climb the overall leaderboard for a chance to win a prize worth $1,000.
Make your picks here.
Listed below are the 12 questions you'll need to answer in order to participate, and our AFL experts have teamed up to supply you some nuggets of info to help guide you through your decision-making process.
Good luck!
Brisbane vs. Richmond: Who will win and by what margin?
Brisbane 1 - 25
Brisbane 26 +
Richmond 1 - 25
Richmond 26 +
ESPN experts say: The Tigers are roaring into September and will start favourites against a Lions side which has made a habit of failing in September. Chris Fagan's team has won just one of six finals since 2019 and are under enormous pressure to advance to the second week. With Tom Lynch back to his best and Dustin Martin set for a return, it's hard to go past Richmond, even at the Gabba.
Brisbane vs. Richmond: Which player will have the most disposals?
Lachie Neale
Dion Prestia
ESPN experts say: It's been a sensational year for Brisbane's Lachie Neale who could claim a second Brownlow Medal in a few weeks time. The ball-magnet has averaged 30.14 disposals per game in 2022, while Dion Prestia has managed 25.5. I'm not overthinking this one; take Neale.
Brisbane vs. Richmond: Which teammates will combine for more goals
Joe Daniher & Charlie Cameron
Tom Lynch & Shai Bolton
ESPN experts say: Since returning from injury in Round 20, Tom Lynch has been just about the best player in the competition. He's kicked 21 goals in his past four games, and I wouldn't be surprised if he tallies more majors in this elimination final than an out of form Joe Daniher and Charlie Cameron. When you add Shai Bolton into the mix, it's the Tigers duo all day long.
Melbourne vs. Sydney: Who will win and by what margin?
Melbourne 1 - 25
Melbourne 26 +
Sydney 1 - 25
Sydney 26 +
ESPN experts say: This is a tough one to pick. The Demons look like they got back to their best with a big win over the Lions in Round 23, while the Swans have been flying under the radar all season and could do some real damage in September. I'd avoid both 26+ options, as I reckon it will be a tight contest. Maybe the Demons ... just.
Melbourne vs. Sydney: Which team will kick the first goal?
Melbourne
Sydney
ESPN experts say: Another tricky one. The Swans have booted 27 first quarter goals in the last five weeks, four more than the Demons. It's not much, but I might take Sydney here.
Melbourne vs. Sydney: Will any player record more than 35 disposals in the match?
Yes
No
ESPN experts say: It might be Clayton Oliver or bust here, as I can't see any other playing on either side tallying 35 touches. So with that said, will Oliver have 35? I'll take the under, or no option.
Geelong vs. Collingwood: Who will win and by what margin?
Geelong 1 - 25
Geelong 26 +
Collingwood 1 - 25
Collingwood 26 +
ESPN experts say: The Magpies have been a great story in 2022, but can they win the premiership? I'm still not convinced. Eventually all these narrow wins catch up with you. On the other side, the Cats have won 13 straight games, and haven't really looked like losing since the Saints unexpectedly rolled them in Round 9. This one could blow out, Geelong 26 +.
Geelong vs. Collingwood: Which of these players will be first to kick a goal?
Tom Hawkins
Jeremy Cameron
Jamie Elliott
Brody Mihocek
ESPN experts say: The obvious choices are the Cats duo of Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron, but I'll go a little left-field and take Jamie Elliott. We all know how clutch he's been late in games for the Magpies, but his pressure inside 50m has been immense and, being such a barometer, his teammates will be looking to get him involved early in the game.
Geelong vs. Collingwood: Over/Under 163.5 total points scored in the match?
Over
Under
ESPN experts say: We know, historically, scoring dries up in September and this one does feel like it could be a bit of an arm-wrestle early on. But I expect the Cats to flex their muscle and kick away in the second half, hitting the over for the total match points.
Fremantle vs. Western Bulldogs: Who will win and by what margin?
Fremantle 1 - 25
Fremantle 26 +
Western Bulldogs 1 - 25
Western Bulldogs 26+
ESPN experts say: All the pressure is on the Dockers here. Justin Longmuir's side looked a top four team all throughout the season, so to be in an elimination final will be a tad disappointing. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs were dead and buried, only for the Blues to cough up a 23-point lead to the Magpies and let them back in. With nothing to lose, and plenty of star factor, I'm going the upset here. Bulldogs by a single figure margin.
Fremantle vs. Western Bulldogs: Which of these players will record the most disposals?
Andrew Brayshaw
Will Brodie
Jack Macrae
Marcus Bontempelli
ESPN experts say: Jack Macrae doesn't just average more disposals than the other three on this list but he's proven to be one of the most consistent players in the league. On 17 occasions this year Macrae has amassed 28 disposals, and that alone might be enough to get the job done here.
Fremantle vs. Western Bulldogs: Will any player kick 3 or more goals?
Yes
No
ESPN experts say: In each of their past five games, only twice has a player booted three or more goals. So that's a strike rate of only 40%. With rain expected, and scoring likely to fall, I'd be leaning towards the 'No' option here.