We are seeing an extraordinarily good finals series. The pressure and the intensity are quite incredible. What has been frustratingly glaring is the ineptness of the interpreters of the rules.

This has been the familiar catch cry to the opening of the fiercest and toughest motor race in the world. It would not be out of place on the eve of what promises to be an exhilarating finals series with - predictably - several more twists and turns to be played out before we applaud the victors on the dais bowing their heads to receive the holy grail, writes Grant Thomas.

Two things happened this week which obviously slipped under the radar for the masses, but as a former AFL coach the alarm bells started to ring, writes Grant Thomas.

There is nothing like September and a finals series to break the shackles, hone the focus and improve intensity and effort. The Cats and Saints will still be mighty tough to beat, writes Grant Thomas.

There's one certainty with North Melbourne's new coach, Brad Scott; his charges will never be left wondering where they stand, writes Grant Thomas.