AFL Preliminary finals Preview (In a Nutshell)
Friday (Game One of Two)
Melbourne Demons v Geelong Cats
Key matchup: Max Gawn v Rhys Stanley
Geelong Cats Game Changers: Sam Menegola, Esava Ratugolea
Melbourne Demons Game Changers: Michael Hibberd
My Prediction: Geelong Cats
Saturday (Game Two of Two)
Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs
Key matchup: Travis Boak v Jack Macrae
Port Adelaide Game Changers: Karl Amon, Scott Lycett
Western Bulldogs Game Changers: Caleb Daniel, Jack Macrae, Aaron Naughton, Josh Schache
My Prediction: Western Bulldogs
Melbourne Demons v Geelong Cats Preview (Nitty Gritty)
The Geelong Cats will need to negate the influence of Max Gawn and Clayton Oliver in centre bounces. It’s a big game for Rhys Stanley as he will need to curtail the impact that Max Gawn has on the game. The Cats have plenty of depth in their midfield and on the wing. They should have too much class for the Demons.
Melbourne Demons v Geelong Cats (Points of Difference)
The Cats have decided to select three tall forwards; Jeremy Cameron, Tom Hawkins and Esava Ratugolea for the second week in a row. If they can stop the Demons key defenders; Jake Lever and Steven May from taking intercept marks they can win the game comprehensively.
Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs Preview (Nitty Gritty)
The Bulldogs would be disappointed with the manner in which they played for the majority of the game last weekend against the Lions. It’s fair to say that the Lions outplayed them. It’s a good sign that they got through, having won the game and reaching the Preliminary final should motivate them to play better.
Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs Preview (Points of Difference)
It will be interesting to see how Port Adelaide cope with the quality of midfield that the Western Bulldogs possess. It’s difficult to see Port Adelaide curtailing the influence of the Bulldogs midfield as it’s probably the best midfield in the competition.