AFL Finals 2019, Preliminary Finals My Preview

The expectation is that the Tigers beat the Cats and the Magpies defeat the Giants, but anything can happen; it’s finals footy. You can’t categorically say which teams will go through to the Grand Final as the Cats and the Giants won last week, as the Cats beat the Eagles and the Giants defeated the Lions, in Brisbane! There are many issues that could arise out of this week of footy, but ultimate the most important are: goal kicking (kicking straight), which means taking your opportunities and ensuring effort levels are up to scratch (not overawed by the occasion).

My choice of a definite winner for this Round: Giants

Friday Night Game

Tigers v Cats
The Tigers have been the favourite to win this game all week, with Tom Hawkins suspended. The Cats have a fairly good replacement in Lachie Henderson, even though he could play in defence. The Tigers go into the game unchanged. The Cats could try a different set up to the usual one that they have, maybe going with a smaller forward line and it could work.
Key matchup: Toby Nankervis v Rhys Stanley
Tigers Changer: Dion Prestia
Cats Game Changer: Sam Menegola
My Prediction: Cats

Saturday Afternoon Game

Magpies v Giants
The Giants were outstanding defensively absorbing a lot of the Giants attacking moves in the second half; they arguably won a game that they didn’t deserve to, against the Lions, but that’s footy and life. The Magpies were also terrific taking intercept marks, not last week, but in the first week of the finals against the Cats, where Darcy Moore in particular, saved the day. The Giants have lost Toby Greene and Lachie Whitfield, but the Magpies have Levi Greenwood and Jordan De Goey out through injury.
Key matchup: Brodie Grundy v Shane Mumford
Magpies Game Changer: Jack Crisp
Giants Game Changer: Tim Taranto
My Prediction: Giants