PRELIMINARY FINAL PREVIEW’S
Geelong Cats v Brisbane Lions
Friday 16/9/22 @ MCG
Last 5 Encounters | Geelong 4 | Brisbane 1
Geelong earnt a week off after a tightly contested win over Collingwood at the MCG a fortnight ago. The Pies pressed hard especially early but the Cats kept their composure and were eventually able to get over the top of Collingwood by 6 points in a thriller. Despite being expected to win by more I thought there was plenty of merit in that victory and good practice if they are to encounter another tight finish over the next two weeks.
Brisbane has been the big surprise packet of the finals thus far. They did a good job to beat the Tigers in a shoot out at home, then showed last week that they could find another way to win– by restricting the Demons scoring after quarter time and slowly grinding down the deficit. Its an even bigger challenge again for them this week. They face another trip to Melbourne and the premiership favourites who are fresh from a week off. I’ve got the Lions wrong in both finals games so far but I really think this is where it ends for them. Geelong has a strong backline like Melbourne but pose a much bigger threat forward of centre. I think it’s going to be tough for Brisbane’s defence to hold up against the likes of Hawkins, Cameron and Stengle in front of a huge away crowd at the MCG.
Suggested Bet – 1.5 Units Geelong Line (-22.5) @ $1.90 (Sportsbet)
Sydney Swans v Collingwood Magpies
Saturday 17/9/22 @ SCG
Last 5 Encounters | Sydney 3 | Collingwood 2
Sydney host Collingwood in the second prelim at the SCG on Saturday Afternoon.
The Swans were super impressive in their qualifying final win over Melbourne two weeks ago. They played hard, tough and uncompromising footy which eventually broke Melbourne.
As mentioned above, despite losing, Collingwood were very very good against Geelong week 1, then far too good for the Dockers in last weeks Semi Final. The score line flattered Fremantle in the end as Collingwood appeared to take their foot off the gas late – they had that game in their keeping a long long way out.
We only have to look back to 5 weeks ago to see the last time these teams played against each other. It was at this venue and it was a game Sydney controlled from start to finish – coming away 27 point winners. Whilst I think as a rule team changes from week to week are often overplayed, Jordan De Goey did not play against the Swans last time and his inclusion looms as a big one here. Collingwood were missing some x factor that day and De Goey certainly offers that with break away speed out of the front of stoppage.
Should be a cracking game. Sydney deserve to be favourite on their home patch, however the three goal head start for Collingwood appeals as the bet in this game.
Suggested Bet – 2 Units Collingwood Line (+17.5) @ $1.90 (Sportsbet)