The Crows could Flap in September | Thebigtip

This year's finals series will be as hotly contested as any during the last 10 years. There is no point in arguing that Geelong and St Kilda are again real contenders, their records' stand as a testament to their prolific skill and ability to maintain the top level of elite football at all times. In saying that they are not the only clubs in a position to take the crown in what is likely to be the last September Grand final. The Western Bulldogs, Fremantle and Collingwood could all ' on their day' make an assault at the Premiership.

This season has not only been a great one due to large crowds, close competition (even Richmond has won four games) and a high paced level of play. This season has also seen two teams expectations take a dramatic dive to only climb back out of the holes that they dug. These two teams are Hawthorn and Adelaide.

Each were pegged for top four finishers during the pre-season only to suffer disastrous starts to the season with the Crows losing 9 in a row and Hawthorn 6. It seems however, that they are now finding form when it counts. Arguably Hawthorn is the better of the two having won 7 in a row and now looking to course some headaches comes September.

However the Crows must not be counted out, granted they are still 2 games out of the 8 and will still need a lot of work to make it there by September, the fact is that their poor form at the start of the season has allowed teams of a lower caliber to be sitting in the 8 currently. Carlton and Sydney the two teams in question. They have both struggled with up and down form and seem to be edging further down instead of up. The other two teams pushing for top 8 in Brisbane and North Melbourne just don’t seem to be getting anywhere near able to make a finals assault.

Brisbane had a cracker start to the season, much like Port Adelaide, but both now seem destined to enjoy an early Mad Monday. While North Melbourne fight on gallantly and play much the same as the Swans, I just have the feeling that they won’t be seeing much September action with the Crows now hitting their straps. Adelaide dismantled another finals hopeful in Essendon on Saturday night and look more of a St Kilda strength team than the one we watched for the first 9 rounds. The forward combination of Tippet and Walker are starting to find some sync, while the crows young midfield brigade seems to be finding its feet and running teams off their legs.

In my opinion, the top 8 will be:

1. St Kilda

2. Geelong

3. Fremantle

4. Collingwood

5. Hawthorn

6. Western Bulldogs

7. Adelaide

8. Carlton

What do you think?