AFL Finals Week 1 (Predictions in Bracket)
Port Adelaide v (Geelong Cats)
Sydney Swans v (GWS Giants)
Melbourne Demons v (Brisbane Lions)
Western Bulldogs v (Essendon)
Friday (Game One of Four)
Port Adelaide v Geelong Cats
This should be a reasonable game of footy, but I expect the Cats to be far too good. They will be motivated by not winning the Premiership in Season 2020. The Cats should have belief as they reached the Grand Final in the same Season. Port Adelaide find it tough given their poor record against teams high on the ladder in Season 2021.
Key matchup: Ollie Wines v Mitch Duncan
Port Adelaide Game Changer: Steven Motlop
Geelong Cats Game Changer: Sam Menegola
My Prediction: Geelong Cats
Saturday (Game Two of Four)
Sydney Swans v GWS Giants
This is a battle between two teams that will not want to be eliminated, as the season will end for the loser of this game, unfortunately. The Giants have been in fantastic form. The Giants should be too good. It’s tough to predict a winner in this, but the Giants are gaining confidence at the right point of the Season.
Key matchup: Tom Hickey v Shane Mumford
Sydney Swans Game Changers: Jordan Dawson, Luke Parker
GWS Giants Game Changers: Harry Himmelberg, Josh Kelly, Tim Taranto
My Prediction: GWS Giants
Saturday (Game Three of Four)
Melbourne Demons v Brisbane Lions
This isn’t elimination final, but the Lions appear ready for a Demons team that have overachieved. The Lions snuck into the top four through sheer will and determination in Round 23. They should have too many good players for the Demons to cope with.
Key matchup: Clayton Oliver v Jarryd Lyons
Melbourne Demons Game Changer: Clayton Oliver
Brisbane Lions Game Changers: Jarryd Lyons, Oscar McInerney, Daniel McStay
My Prediction: Brisbane Lions
Sunday Game (Game Four of Four)
Western Bulldogs v Essendon
Essendon should gain confidence from their win against the Western Bulldogs late in the season. The Bulldogs have been in bad form and haven’t fixed their weaknesses; the ruck, key defenders and key forwards. Their structure has been impacted since the injury of Josh Bruce. Essendon should prove why they can win the Premiership!
Key matchup: Josh Dunkley v Zach Merrett
Western Bulldogs Game Changer: Caleb Daniel
Essendon Game Changers: Zach Merrett, Jake Stringer, Alec Waterman
My Prediction: Essendon