Preliminary final weekend has arrived and with it, two salivating contests to decide this year’s Grand Final combatants.
Geelong takes on Brisbane on Friday night in their first meeting at the MCG since they faced off in the 2004 Preliminary Final.
And in the twilight on Saturday, the SCG will be heaving as Sydney hosts Collingwood for the right to face either the Cats or Lions.
See our previews and tips for every game of the third week of the finals below:
All times AEST
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Geelong v Brisbane - Preliminary Final
Friday – 7:50pm – Melbourne Cricket Ground
Geelong’s date with destiny has arrived, as they prepare to take on Brisbane with a spot in the Grand Final at stake.
The Cats enter this clash on the back of a scratchy, yet ultimately fruitful Qualifying Final win over Collingwood a fortnight ago, but will know they’ll have to play better if they are to defeat the red-hot Lions.
Chris Fagan’s side pulled off the shock of the finals series so far, taking out last year’s reigning premiers in last Friday night’s Semi Final to break their long stretch without a win at the MCG.
These sides have only played once this year and that was way back in Round 4, where Geelong won a tight contest by 10 points at GMHBA STADIUM.
There are big stakes involved here and with wet weather predicted, expert a tough and tense tussle throughout.
Geelong is primed to make this year’s Grand Final and have been the best side this year, but Brisbane is building form throughout September and will challenge the Cats all the way.
Tip: Geelong by 14 points.
Laurence Rosen
Sydney v Collingwood - Preliminary Final
Saturday – 4:45pm – Sydney Cricket Ground
What a game we’ve in got store on Saturday evening at the SCG.
The ever-consistent Sydney Swans will host the surprise packet of the year in Collingwood in what is shaping up to be an absolute beauty.
The Swans have won their last eight games in dominant fashion, including a one-sided affair against Collingwood in Round 22 at the SCG.
Sydney’s record at home is unreal, winning nine of their 11 fixtures this year, making tipping against them hard.
With Taylor Adams and Jordan De Goey absent in the Round 22 clash, the likes of Luke Parker, Callum Mills, James Rowbottom and Chad Warner were able to do as they pleased.
If Collingwood is a chance, they’ll need to put the clamp on Sydney’s midfield.
As for the Pies, their attacking brand of footy is made for Preliminary final football and if there’s a side to knock off the Swans, it is the Pies.
Collingwood has shown in the first two weeks of the finals that they’re a dangerous team, going toe to toe with the Cats in week one and making light work of Fremantle last week.
But playing Sydney in Sydney is a different kettle of fish.
Credit to the Pies for their year, but it’s the Swans for us.
Tip: Sydney by 22 points.
Hugh Fitzpatrick