Grand Final Preview- 2019 (Tigers v Giants)
The game of the weekend promises to be an entertaining one; it will feature a first gamer in Marlon Pickett, from the Tigers, that’s an extremely brave move! The Giants will get back Toby Greene from suspension and Lachie Whitfield from having his appendix out. The unlucky two who are omitted from the Giants team are Lachie Keefe and Ian Hill. The Giants are strengthened by their ins, while the Tigers haven’t gone like for like in their one change as Pickett isn’t a tagger like Jack Graham, who is injured.
Tigers Defence v Giants Forward Line
Expect the Giants forward line to dominate the Tigers defence and to win their respective 6 contests fairly comfortably. Harry Himmelberg will be extremely dangerous as most of the focus will be on Jeremy Cameron and Jeremy Finlayson from a Tigers defensive perspective. Brent Daniels has kicked an important goal for the Giants in their last 2 games. The Giants will look to limit the run that Bachar Houli and Jayden Short provide.
Tigers Midfield and Ruckman v Giants Midfield and Ruckman
Toby Nankervis and Shane Mumford looms as a pivotal match up in this game as they are both extremely robust competitors and display great endeavour in ruck contests and their work around the ground. The battle on the wing will be fascinating with Brandon Ellis and Josh Caddy against Zac Williams and Lachie Whitfield. It will be interesting to see who Matt de Boer tags. Tim Taranto will be a pivotal part of the Giants midfield as will Josh Kelly. The Giants have too much class in the midfield.
Tigers Forward Line v Giants Defence
If the Giants can curtail the influence of Kane Lambert and Tom J. Lynch then expect the Giants to win the game comfortably. The Giants defence has been important in the final series as they have all been important in the Giants progressing to the 2019 AFL Grand Final. The likes of Sam Taylor and Nick Haynes have stepped up and Heath Shaw always gives 100%
Tigers Interchange v Giants Interchange
The initial interchanges named on Thursday night are intriguing; both teams have named their 2nd ruckman on the bench with Ivan Soldo and Adam Tomlinson not in the starting 18. Jacob Hopper, Daniel Lloyd and Toby Greene have been pivotal parts of the Giants team so the Giants team looks the stronger on paper.
The Important Stuff
My Prediction: The Giants easily!
Tigers Game Changer: Kane Lambert
Giants Game Changer: Tim Taranto
Norm Smith: Tim Taranto
Key Matchup: Toby Nankervis v Shane Mumford