Geelong v Sydney
15 September, MCG
Geelong was comprehensively beaten in the contest and on the scoreboard against Richmond, while Sydney torn the game apart in the second quarter and easily accounted for Essendon. Geelong could not handle Richmond’s attack on the ball and man. It is becoming a pattern for the Cats in finals, with players underperforming. Motlop, Blicavs, Henderson and Menegola need to lift. They have important roles to play and Geelong cannot defeat Sydney without their contribution. Dangerfield and Selwood are the obvious keys and they will also be looking for stronger performances. On the other hand it’s all systems go for Sydney. The big bodies like Kennedy, Jack, Parker and Hannebery will look to hunt and win the contest. Another key component is their defensive structure. Grundy, Rampe, Mills, Jones and McVeigh like to zone off and intercept the football. If pressure up the ground is applied, they can drop out the back and assist one another. Then there is Franklin. Lonergan has a good record on him. He likes to play in front and cut the angles. This works if Geelong’s midfielders are putting on enough pressure. The final player to watch out for is Rohan. His speed, carry and marking ability will be dangerous. He doesn’t need much of the ball to have an impact.
Stadium Record
Geelong is 3-3 at the MCG this year. The wide space is a contrast to their narrow home ground at Simonds Stadium. Sydney has had mixed results at the MCG recently. In 2017 they are 2-2 there.
Head to Head Record
Sydney was not the team Geelong wanted to meet. The Swans have won 5 of the last 6 between these two and the margins are alarming. Geelong’s last three scores against the Swans are 61, 60 and 60.
Best Bet
Sydney’s first quarters are strong, Geelong’s not so. Sydney first quarter handicap -4.5 $1.92.
GWS v West Coast
16 September, Spotless Stadium
The Giants were poor in the first half against Adelaide, while West Coast’s epic extra time win over Port will go down in history. The Giants talent is undeniable and as crazy as it sounds, that could be a problem. Players like Greene, Shiel, Whitfield, Kelly and Patton are not natural defenders. They are playmakers. The top AFL teams are balanced between attack and defence, and that was why De Boer was brought in last week. Cameron and Mumford’s injuries look important at first sight, but their exclusion could mean the Giants might have a less talented side, but a more balanced side this week. West Coast has been criticised at times for their lack of fight on the road, but that was not the case last week. They jumped out of the blocks and hung on for two and half quarters, plus extra time. The midfield was led by Priddis, Shuey and Mitchell. McGovern was great down back, while Petrie turned back the clock in the ruck and up forward. West Coast needs to bring the same intensity to defeat the Giants in Sydney. The midfield battle looks tight, with GWS’ depth greater. A smaller forward line could help the Giants as long as they don’t bang the ball in long. Kennedy and Darling were okay against Port, but will probably need to impact the game more if the Eagles can cause another upset.
Stadium Record
GWS will be glad to be home. This year they have won 6, lost 1 and drawn 1 at home. The loss was against the Swans and they drew with Geelong. West Coast is 2-1 at Spotless. They easily defeated the young Giants in 2013, while last year they won by a point. They suffered a 21-point defeat in round 22.
Head to Head Record
The Giants had never beaten the Eagles until this year and they did it twice. They defeated them by 8 points in round 10 and then 21 points last month, after a four goal to one last quarter.
Best Bet
Words: Rhys Thurston @rhyst03
PROMOTION: In both AFL Finals games in week 2, back a team in the head to head market if and if they lose by 18 points or less, we'll refund your bet up to $50 as REAL CASH! Ex. NSW & SA residents. T&Cs Apply.
