Cats close to the mark

Geelong's preliminary final loss to Sydney was hugely disappointing, but shouldn’t be allowed to overshadow a season of positives.

Bulldogs fans are going to miss out on grand final tickets, and it's not fair

• COMMENT

While many Doggies fans who've been watching their team 50-odd years and never got to see them at the "big dance" miss out, there's still a spot for those with enough money and the lust to be seen at "an event".

Sydney v Western Bulldogs grand final preview

Saturday's grand final will be Sydney's third in the past five seasons and their fifth in the past 12 seasons, surpassing Geelong's four grand finals over the same period, and equal with Hawthorn.

Swans v Bulldogs in the grand final: A romance we had to have

The Western Bulldogs have already made history of sorts. After the events of the last few weeks, what’s a little more?

Jobe Watson's decision to play on makes Bombers' 2017 prospects brighter still

• ANALYSIS

Essendon was already heading into season 2017 in a better place than it had known for years. Now that skipper Jobe Watson has recommitted to the cause, the Bombers’ prospects are brighter still.

Luckless Cat Menzel to miss preliminary final

Daniel Menzel's injury heartbreak continues, with the cursed Cat forward out injured for Geelong's preliminary final against Sydney at the MCG on Friday night.

The potentially fatal preliminary final flaw

For all the Western Bulldogs’ achievements over the past couple of seasons, goalkicking accuracy is one area that still threatens to bring them undone.

The Cats who can help get the cream

Geelong need a lot more than just stellar performances from Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood in midfield if they are to win through to their first grand final in five years.

Rohan Connolly's Last Word on AFL finals week two

Despite a stink over Saturday's preliminary final venue, thrilling contests brought joy, and an end to Hawthorn ascendancy.