Finals Week 1 began Saturday with a bang, 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, shaping the contest by himself. The injured Swans captain watched from the sidelines while the forwards took over. Brisbane lost in a shock result, and eight premiership players were rated poorly.
Adelaide opens its finals campaign with serious intent, with coach Matthew Nicks entering his September test. Assistant Burns said the team looks set for finals football. The Crows are moving past last September's disappointment, yet those memories stay front of mind ahead of the finals opener.