MATTHEW RICHARDSON’S TOP 10: Hawks Jack Ginnivan, Luke Breust face off with Bulldogs Sam Darcy, Aaron Naughton

1. The Hawks-Dogs elimination final at MCG is my favourite match-up of the opening round of finals.

Two very different looking forward lines. The dynamic mosquito fleet of the Hawks — Nick Watson, Jack Ginnivan, Dylan Moore, Connor Macdonald and Luke Breust — against the tall timber of Sam Darcy, Aaron Naughton and Jamara Ugle-Hagan. The Hawks aren’t overly tall down back with Josh Weddle, Jack Scrimshaw and James Sicily giving away a lot of centimetres. This is where it will be won or last for the Hawks. I can’t wait.

2. Hawks fans are pumped for tomorrow night’s game and so they should be.

Even if they lose there are salad days ahead. To think what they’ve done this year is just amazing. Their issue with lacking height in their backline will be fixed with Tom Barrass and Josh Battle requesting moves to the Hawks. Look out if they manage to sign both.

3. There is no love lost between the Swans and their little brother from out west.

This Saturday’s qualifying final will have plenty of spot fires. The key for me is the Giants denying the Swans midfielders goals. If they do this it puts a lot more pressure on the Sydney’s tall forwards to kick majors. The Giants have won the last three finals against Sydney and will go into the game full of confidence.

4. Revenge is on the menu for the Blues in the other elimination final at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The preliminary final of 2023 will be at the back of their minds. The Blues are banged up and have limped into September. Even with some big names back, namely Sam Docherty, can they flick the switch? It feels like if the Lions convert their chances they should get the job done. They bounced back strongly this year after a poor start and despite their patchy finals record — and heartbreaking grand final loss last September — this can be their year.

5. Geelong will open the finals tonight in yet another qualifying final.

They are an extraordinary club that just knows how to win the big games. Port have also earnt their double chance so can Ken Hinkley finally get that elusive flag? The midfield battle is the key at Adelaide Oval. If the Cats can control the explosive trio of Connor Rozee, Zac Butters and Jason Horne-Francis they will win through to another preliminary final.

6. What a great start to the AFLW season.

Already I can see signs that the ball movement is going to improve a lot this season. The highlight for me was tWest Coast winning in Daisy Pearce’s first game in charge. Having worked with Daisy at Channel 7, I knew she was destined to coach. She has a great footy brain and is a great communicator. She’s already put her stamp on a team that have won only four games in two seasons. Also, I am really disappointed for Taylah Harris. She is out for the season after reinjuring her shoulder. It’s a long time between AFLW seasons so I hope she recovers well.

7. It’s not an ideal situation for Richmond with two long-term contracted players Shai Bolton and Daniel Rioli asking to be traded.

The Tigers should let them go as it gives them an opportunity to have 5-6 draft picks inside the top 20. Last time Richmond had a couple of years of high picks they nabbed Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin and Alex Rance. These guys were the pillars of the 2017 drought-breaking flag. Building back up through the draft is the only way forward for the Tigers.

8. While I think Nick Daicos wins the Brownlow gee I’d lo be to see Marcus Bontempelli win it this year.

Nothing against Daicos, as he deserves should he prevail. But Bont has to add a Brownlow to his unbelievable CV. He won the AFLPA MVP again last week for a third time as well as the best captain award. And he was the All-Australian captain, making that elite list for the sixth time. No one is more respected by his peers than Bont.

9. I was thrilled to see Jesse Hogan get his first All-Australian Jacket.

I remember very early in his career covering a game that he dominated while playing at Melbourne. Walking away that day I thought he was going to be a superstar. For various reasons it didn’t happen until his arrival at GWS. He is a superstar player with a strong footy IQ. He understands and sees the game unfolding as a forward so well. More importantly he looks happy. What a great footy story.

10. The Eagles always said they would reform when hell froze over.

They then named the reunion tour Hell Freezes Over. So no surprises when Oasis announced a comeback last week. The dollars became too big to pass up. How good would it be to be in that first gig in Manchester. I’m getting goose bumps thinking about it.