Finals Week 1 began Saturday with a bang, and the action did not wait to produce a twist. Sydney forward Tom Papley kicked five goals against Brisbane in a stunning individual display, taking control early. The injured Swans captain looked on from the sidelines as his team charged. Brisbane lost in a stunning upset, and eight premiership players failed to fire.
Adelaide opens its finals campaign on a confident note, with coach Matthew Nicks entering his September test. Assistant Burns said the team looks set for the finals stage. The Crows are moving past last September's disappointment, yet that pain remain a theme ahead of their finals fixture.