Finals fever ... "Gilly" predicts "a ripper of a game" as Cats and Saints do battle under the MCG lights

Marngrook Footy Show legend Gilbert McAdam can't wait for the first bounce in the Geelong/St Kilda blockbuster qualifying final under lights at the MCG.

"It's going to be on for young and old," he said.

"It;s going to be a beauty."

"Gilly" insists the Saints will be bolstered by the return of close-checking tagger Steven Baker from that controversial nine-week suspension (after tangling with Cats star Stevie Johnson in the spiteful round 13 clash at the 'G).

"He's going to fire them up,"  he said.

"Gilly" added that he's thoroughly enjoyed the war of words from respective coaches Mark Thompson and Ross Lyon in the build-up to what promises to be an enthralling battle.

Thompson urged umpires to keep a close eye on Baker.

Lyon responded by calling on umpires to keep a close eye on Cameron Ling's tactics on the likes of Nick dal Santo and Lenny Hayes.

When asked by Marngrook Footy Show host Grant Hansen for his tip, "Gilly" responded: "I'm not going to make a prediction."

Not surprisingly, "Gilly" got howled down by the panel.

"You're giving up just because you've lost the lead in the tipping," "Thorpie" joked.

Grant added: "You can't do that. You've got to give your tip."

"Gilly" eventually settled on St Kilda.

Robbie Ahmat also selected the Saints.

Robbie predicts a tough game.

"These two sides do not like each other," he said.

But it's Geelong all the way for Grant, "Thorpie", Chris Johnson, Leila Gurruwiwi and Shelley Ware.

Brisbane's triple premiership star "Johnno" marvelled at the exploits of Geelong champ Gary Ablett Junior.

"The only thing he can't do is grow his hair," he said with a chuckle.