Finals Questions, Geelong Doubts & Cooney Returns | Armchair Experts

Adam Cooney is back on Armchair Experts, and Cam Luke has plenty to catch him up on before a huge AFL finals series. The boys work through the biggest question facing every finals contender, starting with Fremantle’s recent stumble and whether any doubt has crept in ahead of September. They also look at Sydney’s injury-hit finals hopes, why Brisbane should be premiership favourites, whether Hawthorn’s midfield can hold up, and where Jeremy Cameron should play for Geelong after returning at half-back. Cam doubles down on his call that the Cats cannot win the flag from outside the top four, while Cooney explains why he is not ready to write them off just yet. There is also plenty on Adelaide’s finals pressure, Melbourne’s fairytale season, Carlton’s late-season wave, the Western Bulldogs v Collingwood final, and whether Daniel McStay or Jordan De Goey is Collingwood’s second most important player. Plus, the boys discuss North Melbourne’s poor finish to the season, Jake Stringer’s fit at St Kilda, GWS’ frustrating year, West Coast’s big summer, Will Ashcroft’s incredible career start, Charlie Curnow’s third Coleman Medal, AFLW double-headers, and a potential Western Bulldogs trade swing if they miss Zach Butters. As always, it’s honest, opinion-driven AFL chat with no fluff. Timecodes 00:00 Intro 00:05 Cooney is back 00:32 Why Cooney cut his trip short 01:14 Finals catch-up 01:34 Fremantle’s recent stumble 02:36 Are doubts creeping in for Freo? 03:08 Can Fremantle make the Grand Final? 03:56 Sydney’s injury-hit finals hopes 04:36 Why Sydney may struggle to win a final 05:40 Brisbane’s historic three-peat chase 06:24 Why Brisbane should be favourites 07:04 Hugh McCluggage selection question 07:48 Hawthorn’s midfield test 08:28 Can the Hawks give it a shake? 09:00 Jeremy Cameron at half-back 09:36 Where should Geelong play Cameron? 10:20 Cam doubles down on Geelong 11:00 Why Geelong’s finals path matters 11:44 Can the Cats still make a run? 12:04 Adelaide’s finals pressure 12:48 Who would Adelaide rather face? 13:48 Would Melbourne failing be a failed season? 14:32 Carlton’s finals momentum 15:08 Can Bevo lift the Bulldogs again? 15:52 Bulldogs v Collingwood preview 16:24 Collingwood’s second most important player 17:16 How far can Carlton go? 18:16 Love it or Shove it 18:24 Was North’s loss their worst of the year? 19:48 Should Jake Stringer be St Kilda’s priority? 20:32 Adam Kingsley’s GWS frustration 21:32 West Coast’s disappointing finish 22:08 Tuesday 10 22:28 Brisbane or Fremantle for the flag? 22:52 Do we underrate Will Ashcroft? 24:36 Charlie Curnow’s Coleman season 26:12 Should Collingwood have rested players? 27:32 Logan Morris or Sam Darcy in 2029? 28:28 AFLW double-header debate 29:28 Bulldogs trade swing if they miss Butters 30:52 Will the Brownlow be boring? 31:36 Why the AFL still wins with finals crowds 32:32 Should Dogs v Pies be at Marvel? 33:48 Wrap up