My Predictions for the AFL Season 2020 Finals Series
The first time that I can remember the Premiership could come from outside of the top four. I’m expecting the Premiership to be decided from an Elimination Final between sixth placed St Kilda and seventh placed Western Bulldogs!
I’m expecting Lachie Hunter to win the Gary Ayres Medal; the best player as judged by the coaches.
Expect Josh Bruce to kick the most goals in the final series.
The Grand Final could be played between Richmond and the Western Bulldogs.
My prediction for the Norm Smith Medal is Jack Macrae.
Qualifying Final 1 Preview (Port Adelaide v Geelong)
Geelong should be too good as they will be hungry to win and have the week off. The fact that the game is being played at the Adelaide Oval will mean that Port Adelaide have the home ground advantage, but what will come with that will be pressure.
Key matchup: Travis Boak v Cameron Guthrie
Port Adelaide Game Changer: Tom Rockliff
Geelong Game Changer: Sam Menegola
My Prediction: Geelong
Qualifying Final 2 Preview (Brisbane Lions v Richmond)
Richmond will be galvanised from being in the Hub and the fact that the Brisbane Lions can’t keep accurately for the majority of the time when they are kicking for goal will be a decisive factor. Richmond have a fantastic system and in Round 18 they welcomed back three key players; David Astbury, Josh Caddy and Shane Edwards. At the end of the day Richmond will be too good for Brisbane.
Key matchup: Jarryd Lyons v Shane Edwards
Brisbane Lions Game Changer: Hugh McCluggage
Richmond Game Changer: Kane Lambert
My Prediction: Richmond
Elimination Final 1 Preview (West Coast v Collingwood)
Judging by both teams’ performances in Round 18 this is quite a tough game to predict. Both teams would be disappointed with the manner in which they played. They should endeavour to use that as motivation. Expect West Coast to be too strong at home.
Key matchup: Nic Naitanui v Brodie Grundy
West Coast Game Changer: Andrew Gaff
Collingwood Game Changer: Taylor Adams
My Prediction: West Coast
Elimination Final 2 Preview (St Kilda v Western Bulldogs)
This should be the most exciting final to watch from an entertainment perspective between two of the top coaches in the competition. Neither team will come into this game with a game plan based purely on defence; they both like to move the ball quickly and it’s a shame that they can’t play in the grand final as one of the two teams will be eliminated.
Key matchup: Jack Steele v Marcus Bontempelli
St Kilda Game Changer: Tim Membrey
Western Bulldogs Game Changer: Josh Bruce
My Prediction: Western Bulldogs
Semi Final 1 Preview (Port Adelaide v West Coast)
This should be the game that’s played given my predictions from week one of the finals are correct! West Coast will have too much polish for Port Adelaide.
Key matchup: Scott Lycett v Nic Naitanui
Port Adelaide Game Changer: Brad Ebert
West Coast Game Changer: Liam Duggan
My Prediction: West Coast
Semi Final 2 Preview (Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs)
This would be an intriguing contest, but I believe the Western Bulldogs are peaking at the right time. Brisbane Lions are beatable and that should show why in this prospective game.
Key matchup: Lachie Neale v Jack Macrae
Brisbane Lions Game Changer: Hugh McCluggage
Western Bulldogs Game Changer: Lachie Hunter
My Prediction: Western Bulldogs
Preliminary Final 1 Preview (Geelong v Western Bulldogs)
This would be a good game to watch from a neutral perspective. It’s difficult to separate the two teams. The Western Bulldogs have been better since the return of Lachie Hunter to the line up, expect him to show why, in this prospective game.
Key matchup: Cameron Guthrie v Jack Macrae
Geelong Game Changer: Mitch Duncan
Western Bulldogs Game Changer: Lachie Hunter
My Prediction: Western Bulldogs
Preliminary Final 2 Preview (Richmond v West Coast)
Richmond should be far too strong for West Coast should that be the fixture that eventuates.
Key matchup: Toby Nankervis v Nic Naitainui
Richmond Game Changer: Dustin Martin
West Coast Game Changer: Luke Shuey
My Prediction: Richmond
Grand Final Preview (Richmond v Western Bulldogs)
This would be an unbelievable game of footy if it was to eventuate as the two teams probably have the two best coaches in the competition, arguably.
Key matchup: Shane Edwards v Marcus Bontempelli
Richmond Game Changer: Dustin Martin
Western Bulldogs Game Changers: Jack Macrae, Josh Bruce, Lachie Hunter, Caleb Daniel, Marcus Bontempelli
My Prediction: Western Bulldogs