Back for another week, the SEN.com.au team gives you an insight into how every game will play out across the weekend.
Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.
Here is what we consider certainties for the Friday night's Preliminary Final between Collingwood and GWS at MCG.
Tom Mitchell to have 20+ disposals
With Taylor Adams out injured, plenty is going to rest on Tom Mitchell’s shoulders at the stoppage on Friday night.
The recruit has been typically prolific in black and white and has picked up at least 20 disposals in all but three games this season. In those three games he was either subbed off, or started as sub.
Given he looks likely to play a full game with Adams unable to cover for him, Mitchell should cruise past the 20-touch marker.
Last time against GWS, the Brownlow Medallist helped himself to 36 disposals in a 65-point Collingwood win.
He’d love to have a similar impact in this one.
Jamie Elliott to kick two or more goals
Collingwood’s Jamie Elliott will be hoping to hit the scoreboard in a big way on Friday.
Against Melbourne in the Qualifying Final, the small forward had two reasonably easy set shots on goal but failed to nail those chances.
If he gets those kind of looks again, don’t expect Elliott to keep missing.
Last time against GWS, Elliott kicked three goals and picked up 13 disposals.
He also kicked multiple goals in the four games leading into this finals series.
He should get back to that form in this one.
Lachlan Geleit
Hogan and Riccardi to combine for 3+ goals
If the Giants are to win, Jesse Hogan and Jake Riccardi simply must hit the scoreboard.
GWS cannot solely rely on Toby Greene for their goals, particularly when Brayden Maynard generally keeps the captain quiet.
Hogan, who booted three in his side’s loss to the Magpies back in Round 9, has been in decent goal kicking nick with 16 in his last four games including four in the Semi Final win over Port Adelaide last weekend.
Riccardi has been chiming in nicely of late with 12 majors in his last five outings.
We’re backing the GWS duo to combine for at least three goals if they’re any chance of getting up, otherwise it might get big on the Giants.
Coniglio and Green to combine for 45+ disposals, 7+ clearances, 5+ inside 50s
Stephen Coniglio has been in fine form in 2023, averaging 28.4 disposals, 5.5 clearances and 4.9 inside 50s.
Tom Green is emerging as one of the competition’s best inside mids. He averages 32.1 touches, 6.1 clearances and 4.4 inside 50s.
‘Cogs’ racked up 33 touches, seven inside 50s and three clearances when the two sides last met, while Green amassed 30 along with six inside 50s and eight clearances.
The Giants need these two to stand up and we think they will with at least 45 disposals, seven clearances and five inside 50s between them.
Andrew Slevison
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