Pool 1: Friday 17/2 – commences at 6.45pm (AEDT) at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne   First match: Richmond ($2.18) v North Melbourne ($1.68) Finally! Footy is back – and the AFL’s version of Twenty20 cricket kicks off on Friday night with a match between two teams who placed in the bottom...

Collingwood v Geelong: Saturday 1/10 – 2.30pm at MCG. It’s here – finally. The big daddy of them all. And fittingly, the two best teams of the 2011 season will headline the AFL’s main event. RECENT FORM: The first preliminary final was a night of tears, frustration and memories for...

The only thing worse than a smug Manly fan is a cocky Collingwood supporter … actually, they’re as bad as each other. So why do the two football clubs we all love to hate have to be premiership favourites going into the NRL and AFL grand finals? Surely any sane person would like to see...

Collingwood v Hawthorn: Friday 23/9 – 7.45pm at MCG. Two of the proudest, strongest and most heavily supported clubs in the AFL will go head-to-head in a final for the first time since 1978 on Friday night. RECENT FORM: Phew – the only word that was on the lips of Collingwood supporters...

Hawthorn v Sydney: Friday 16/9 – 7.45pm at MCG. Expect a fascinating tactical contest at the home of footy on Friday night as these two teams vie to get the game on their own respective terms. RECENT FORM: You’ve got to take your opportunities in finals matches – Hawthorn didn’t do...

Second Qualifying Final, Geelong v Hawthorn: Friday 9/9 – 7.45pm at MCG The forecast is for a chilly, wet and windy Friday night at the ‘G. But once these players hit the hallowed turf, the contest will be hotter than a Jennifer Hawkins photo shoot. RECENT FORM: If pundits doubt, knock...