Greats back old clubs

This article first appeared in The Daily Advertiser

The two former skippers were in Wagga yesterday on a visit to AFL Riverina, but finals fever was never far from discussion.

While Harley believes the Cats can go the distance, he said it will be tough to get over hot favourite Hawthorn.

“I think it’s Hawthorn’s to lose,” he told The Daily Advertiser yesterday.

“They’re cherry ripe at the moment, their age profile is spot on and they’ve got the motivation from last year’s loss. 

“They’re extremely fit and healthy and it would take a huge loss for them not to make it.”

Unsurprisingly, Bolton is barracking for his beloved Swans, but said he’s backing Fremantle to give Hawthorn a push in the decider if the Swans fall short.

The curve ball prediction comes after the Dockers claimed a surprise win over Geelong in the semi-finals last weekend.

“I would have said Hawthorn (to win the premiership) definitely last week, but I just think Fremantle were so impressive against Geelong on the weekend that they can’t be discounted,” Bolton said.

“To win down there in a big game like that just shows that they’re probably the real deal.

“I think that if it’s not the Swans it would be great to see a close Hawthorn, Fremantle final.

“I think out of those top four sides, Swans, Freo, Geelong and Hawthorn its still a pretty open race.”

Bolton believes that while Swans copped a thrashing against Hawks on Friday, a return from Adam Goodes should inspire victory over Carlton in the qualifying final on Friday.

Been there and done that, Bolton said Swans will be confident playing Blues at home.

“Obviously Hawthorn are really strong side and the Swans looked a little bit off in the second half, but they’ve got probably a lot of good players who have got a fair bit of improvement left,” he said.

“I think they’ll put in a more consistent effort this week and if they can get Adam Goodes back in the side that would be a nice addition.

“I think at home, they’d be pretty confident going into this game, to get back to the grand final they’re going to have to overcome Fremantle the following week.

“There’s some big challenges in it for the Swans, but they’ve done it before and they’ve got the right people there.”