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Phil Davis makes his Week 1 finals predictions
SEN • September 4th, 2025 9:37 am
Former GWS captain Phil Davis has previewed the four finals this weekend.
The eminently sensible Davis admits he has taken a somewhat left-field approach to his tips for the two Qualifying Finals and two Elimination Finals.
“I do know that I’m taking a slightly left-field view,” Davis said on SEN’s Whateley.
Adelaide v Collingwood
“The concern for Adelaide is the Izak Rankine situation. He is such a difference-maker.
“If you think back to all the finals that have been close, you sometimes just need a superstar that can break it open. But they do have Jordan Dawson and Riley Thilthorpe.
“You have such faith in a premiership-winning side like Collingwood with so much experience, even for me you can overweight that.
“But I have more belief than no belief that they’ll come good and I actually think they’ll win in Adelaide.
“They will match up well and I think experience will play in this game.”
Tip: Collingwood
Geelong v Brisbane
“I think knowing what you’re going to get with the Cats every week is an amazing trait.
“Geelong might have troubles if their midfield can’t play with some speed to give their forwards some better use. Their midfield is 100 per cent the barometer.
“I like predictability, that’s always been my preferred characteristic. It’s a bit boring, a lot of people love X-factor.
“The Lions have star power. Neale, McCluggage, Dunkley, Lohmann, Morris, Harris Andrews… they’ve just got talent everywhere led by Cam Rayner being the ultimate X-factor.
“But how high is your ceiling or how low is your floor? I think Geelong being in the middle will get them over the line in this game.
“Their stability will be enough on Friday night… just.”
Tip: Geelong
GWS v Hawthorn
“I agree the Giants should be favourites, I think they’ve earned that right.
“For me this will be the game of the first finals round.
“Both have got such legitimate arguments to be the team that everyone should be worried about.”
Tip: GWS
Fremantle v Gold Coast
“This is the forgotten final.
“I’ve got no idea what Gold Coast will travel over with mentally.
“Freo have been the same for two years. I love them when they play a certain way and I think they match up nicely against most sides.
“I expect Freo just to get it done. They should be able to wear down the Suns and move on.”
Tip: Fremantle
Listen to Davis assess each final below:
