Footy finals tips

Finals time in any code of football can be confusing. The media hype about fairytales, speculation, analysis and selections can amount to mass public confusion.

But therein lies the beauty of this time of year.

Here’s the tips and some form:

AFL

Saint Kilda ($2.35) vs Geelong ($1.63)

This should be a terrific grand final. But the odds are right to back St Kilda home. You’d be right to think they were a little lucky to scrape home against the Bulldogs last week, but they’re the most consistent side and one only needs to look at the Brownlow voting to see how many stars they have.
Reiwoldt will again be the key. If he can kick five or six goals, they’re likely to win the grand final.
A Brownlow Medal to Gary Ablett Jr is not enough to get a side home. Nor is a great performance against Collingwood last week. After being beaten in last year’s grand final, they’ll be keen to make good this year.
But if that’s high stakes, think about the Saints’ 43-year drought to win a flag. They’ve been there before and after an almost-perfect season – during which they’ve already beaten the Cats, they deserve to win.
Tip: Saints by 14

Rugby League

Melbourne ($1.38) vs Brisbane ($3.10)

Brisbane has blown out due to the Peter Wallace injury and speculation around who they’ll play in his place. But with both sides boasting big-game players in key positions, it’s bound to be a superb game.
Normally, I’d say it was worth taking Brisbane with the start, but both sides are capable of amassing big scores which could render the start useless.
Sorry to sit on the fence, but I’ll be steering well clear of this one.

Bulldogs ($1.95) vs Parramatta ($1.87)

The Dogs have been more consistent through the year, but this is a do-or-die battle, and all the talk is whether the Parramatta fairytale can continue. Their supporters are extremely loyal and they have a star playmaker in Jarryd Hayne.
They also have one of the toughest and most reliable men in rugby league in Nathan Hindmarsh.
But I’m all in favour of supporting consistency, and Brett Kimmorley is confident his cheek will stand up to fierce pressure in defence. Rest assured, the Ells forwards will happily run at the wounded soldier.
The Bulldogs, with the advantage of a week off, will win for mine. But they'll need to bounce back from their round 19 loss to the Eels.
Tip: Bulldogs by 8