BRETT KOHLHAGEN: Culcairn came desperately close to securing the double chance. Psychologically, how big a blow was it for the Lions to miss out on the double chance last weekend?
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BEAU PACKER: I don't think it would have too much of an impact on them to be honest, they would have liked the extra assurance of the double chance and a week off to rest up but I can't see it having a bearing on how they play. Hillary will have them primed for hopefully a big few weeks ahead.
BK: Jye Shields and Adam Prior are Culcairn's top two players. How much time would you put into them?
BP: Both Shields and Prior have been class players this season in the Hume league. Jye has to be favourite for the Azzi and has taken his game to the next level this season with his fitness and is a real barometer for the Lions. Adam has shown over the last month what damage he is capable of doing if he gets enough ball coming to him. He is a big game player and I expect him to step up to the pressures of finals footy.
BK: Billabong Crows will be playing finals for the first time since joining the Hume league. How do you expect them to react to that pressure?
BP: They have had a fantastic season which I think needs to be acknowledged. Al has done a fantastic job recruiting the right players and getting them playing a strong brand of footy. Externally I don't think many would have had them in finals this year so they should be going into this game without any pressure or expectations and just enjoying the atmosphere of finals footy.
BK: Josh Evans has returned from injury. How important is his pace and goal-kicking nous to the Crows?
BP: Earlier in the season Josh cut us up to ribbons on his way to a bag of six goals and was ultimately the difference between the two teams. He is a quality small forward who can fly under the radar so Culcairn will have to put a bit of time into stopping his impact on the game.
BK: Finally, who do you think will win and why?
BP: This might be closer than many people think. Ultimately Culcairn should have too much class in the midfield battle with Shields and the two Hallinan boys having great seasons, but on the big Walbundrie ground, and the fast-running brand of footy that Crows have shown, they could spring an upset. Culcairn in a tight one for me.
