The Greater Western Sydney Giants could potentially be the only team from that suburb playing in a finals series if the Penrith Panthers lose to the Canberra Raiders is this weekend’s NRL finals.
Another unique scenario would occur if the Sydney Swans, losers to the Giants in last week’s qualifying final, should beat the Adelaide Crows in the semifinals and would thus earn a shot at the Geelong Cats in the preliminary finals on September 23 at MCG. Our hearts experience palpitations at the mere suggestion of an all-Sydney AFL Grand Final.
As far as Penrith v. Canberra is concerned in week two of the NRL finals, CrownBet has the Raiders as slight favourites over the Panthers at 1.83 – 2.00 with a meager 1.5-point line. Flip a coin.
The upcoming round of the finals in the AFL has the Swans at 1.57 to 2.45 for the Crows, with a 10.5-point line, another close call.
This is the sort of drama that is compelling for supporters and punters and makes it seem as though all those regular season games seem worthwhile.
The AFL is still seeking to gain the type of support given to rugby and soccer in the Capital. Still, it is doubtful that the Giants being the last man standing in Sydney is likely to result in an overnight increase in their fan base.
