Finals Week 1 began Saturday on a dramatic note, 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 looked on from the sidelines as his team charged. Brisbane lost in a shock result, and eight premiership players were rated poorly.
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 remain a theme ahead of their finals fixture.