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 as his team charged. Brisbane lost in a shock result, and eight premiership players failed to fire.
Adelaide opens its finals campaign with serious intent, with coach Matthew Nicks entering his September test. Assistant Burns said the team is primed for finals football. The Crows are no longer hiding last September's disappointment, yet those memories remain a theme ahead of the finals opener.