AFL Preliminary Finals My Preview
There are a couple of intriguing contests on this weekend; the first game features the Tigers and the Magpies, while the second one is between the Eagles and the Demons. Both matches are difficult to pick a definitive winner in. Everything is on the line now with each game with ever contest sudden death; there’s no next week for the loser, with a long preseason to look forward to and the winner a chance of claiming the ultimate success in 2018.
My choice of a definite winner for this Round: Tigers
Friday Night Game
Tigers v Magpies
There are important matchups on every line; there is the ruck battle between Toby Nankervis and Brodie Grundy, then the dual involving Magpies tall forward Mason Cox and Tigers key defender Alex Rance. The key matchup is between the two captains of the respective teams in the Tigers, Trent Cotchin and the Magpies, Scott Pendlebury. The Tigers are practically unbeatable at the MCG and that’s where they will be playing the Preliminary Final against the Magpies.
Key matchup: Trent Cotchin v Scott Pendlebury
Tigers Game Changer: Dion Prestia
Magpies Game Changer: Adam Treloar
My Prediction: Tigers
Saturday Game
Eagles v Demons
This game is a tough game to pick a winner in. The Demons were successful late on in the season in their last trip to Perth to play the Eagles at Optus Stadium. It’s difficult to see the Eagles being victorious in this contest as they don’t have Andrew Gaff, because of suspension and Brad Sheppard through a hamstring injury. I can see the Demons replicating their performance of a few weeks ago with the Demons on a roll.
Key matchup: Elliot Yeo v Clayton Oliver
Eagles Game Changer: Jack Redden
Demons Game Changer: Max Gawn
My Prediction: Demons