Finals Week 1 began Saturday with a bang, and the action did not wait to deliver a shock. Sydney forward Tom Papley kicked five goals against Brisbane with a dominant one-man performance, taking control early. The injured Swans captain looked on 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 set to face his September test. Assistant Burns said the team is primed for finals football. The Crows are moving past last September's disappointment, yet that pain remain a theme ahead of the finals opener.