Adelaide v Geelong
22 September, Adelaide Oval
Adelaide enter the biggest match of the year in great shape. They destroyed GWS last up, have had a week off, get Sloane back and are playing in front of their packed home ground. Meanwhile, Geelong answered the critics with a superb performance against Sydney. The biggest move was sending Dangerfield to full-forward. He played deep and Sydney’s defence couldn’t work as a unit. I doubt Geelong will do it again to the same extent, but there is no doubt he will play forward at stages. Another tactical battle will be the ball delivery. Adelaide has struggled with their fast ball movement against Geelong. The Cats defenders don’t let the Crows get goal side. Last time these teams played Adelaide changed their style by kicking shorter and honouring the lead. It worked and they will probably do similar again. The certain move is Scott Selwood to Sloane. He did a wonderful job the first time they played this year and the second time around Sloane was allowed to run free. He was best afield. The selection table could have a bearing with Geelong recalling veteran defender, Lonergan, and the electric Cockatoo, who hasn’t played for nearly two months. Whereas, Adelaide has lost Smith and McGovern to injury. Smith’s penetration will be harder to cover than McGovern’s marking presence. The contest will be fierce and whoever wins the contested ball gives themselves the best chance of winning. As daunting as the Adelaide Oval is, Geelong is one of the few teams that match up well against the Crows and they give themselves a chance.
Stadium Record
Adelaide’s home record is very good. They are 10-3 there this year. Geelong is one of the few visiting teams that has a positive Adelaide Oval record. They are 3-2 there, however they lost their only match there this year.
Head to Head Record
Adelaide defeated Geelong by 21 points in round 18. It should have been more but Geelong kicked some late goals. The win ended a five-game losing streak against the Cats.
Best Bet
Richmond v GWS
23 September, MCG
The yellow and black army will be in full voice with Richmond marching into their first preliminary final since 2001. It comes off the back of their leaders Martin, Cotchin and Rance. GWS annihilated a tired West Coast and regained some needed confidence. GWS is almost impossible to stop when the game is played on their terms. If they are run in waves and stream through the middle of the ground their talented forwards will get the job done. Richmond’s defensive pressure has been first-class all season and they will not let the Giants breathe. Therefore, expect this game to be a grind. The Giants can scrap but they need to do it for four quarters to win. Their midfield is strong and matches Richmond’s. Both teams’ forward lines are quite small, Richmond’s by choice, GWS’ through injury, and that will mean there will be no easy balls coming out of defence. No one knows how Richmond will handle the hype, expectation and having waited two weeks for this game. Richmond’s season has been built on even contributions, while the Giants talent is undeniable. The final factor is the ground. Richmond has been great on their home deck all year, while the Giants’ record there is not good.
Stadium Record
Richmond has won their last five at the MCG. Two of those wins were against top four sides Geelong and GWS. The Giants have only won once at the MCG in their history. They defeated Melbourne in 2014. Their only game there this year was that loss to Richmond.
Head to Head Record
These teams split their games against each other this season. Richmond won by 19 points in round 18, while GWS snatched victory by 3 points in round 9.
Best Bet
Words: Rhys Thurston @rhyst03
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