Photo Credit: The Guardian

Geelong

Brisbane Lions

Friday 7:50pm AEST

MCG, Melbourne

Geelong will host the Brisbane Lions in tonights Preliminary Final at the MCG.

Geelong have been on an incredible run, winning their last 14 games, including a thrilling six-point qualifying final against Collingwood with Max Holmes kicking the winning goal in the last minute to earn Geelong a place in week three. Brisbane earned their place in the Preliminary Final with a 106-104 victory over Richmond in the Elimination Final, before coming from behind to upset Melbourne in last weeks Semi Final 92-79.

We often see teams break draughts at the right time. Brisbane earned their spot in week three of the finals, after breaking an eight year winless draught at the MCG. It was a come from behind victory against all odds, against a team that comprehensively beat them twice in the home and away season, being last years premiers in Melbourne.

Geelong’s has been nothing short of incredible, not loosing a single game since round nine, at which point no one could have foreseen them being minor premiers and a win away from a Grand Final. Brisbane received a huge boost with Joe Daniher returning to the side for tonights game.

These sides met in the Preliminary Final in 2020, where Geelong upset the Brisbane Lions by 40-points to advance to their first Grand Final since 2011. Brisbane are looking to tople the Cats who have as mentioned won 14 straight games and advance to their first Grand Final since 2004. Whilst Geelong are on the hunt for their first flag since 2011, they have more than an opportunistic chance to make it through to their second Grand Final in three years. The one thing that makes Geelong nervous is they have lost five out of their last six prelims.

Key players:

Geelong:

• Joel Selwood
• Patrick Dangerfield
• Jeremy Cameron

Brisbane:

• Joe Daniher
• Charlie Cameron
• Lachie Neale

Geelong vs Brisbane prediction:

This will be an incredible enticing, close game. Geelong are favourites for a reason, they have proven unbeatable in the last 14 weeks of the season.  Do not count out the Lions, they have shown incredible resilience all finals series and proven they can win at the MCG. Geelong will advance to the Grand Final by 15-points, but there is no reason that Brisbane can’t cause another upset.

Geelong vs Brisbane betting tip:

Geelong start favourites at $1.29 to Brisbane $3.50

Sydney Swans

Collingwood

Saturday 4:35pm AEST

Sydney Cricket Ground

Sydney will meet Collingwood in Saturday’s Preliminary Final.

The Swans advancing to the Preliminary Final following an upset 91-69 Qualifying Final win over Melbourne. Collingwood lost the Qualifying Final to Geelong in a heartbreaker 78-72, being outdone by Max Holmes late winner. Before responding with an impressive 79-59 Semi Final victory over Fremantle.

Collingwood had won 11-straight games, before Sydney ended their winning run by 27-points in round 22. Sydney have won three out of the last five clashes with Collingwood. 10 years ago, these sides also met in the Preliminary Final, Sydney were good enough to prevail by 26-points and will be hoping for a similar outcome this time.

Key players:

Sydney:

• Lance Franklin
• Luke Parker
• Isaac Heeney

Collingwood:

• Jordan De Goey
• Jamie Elliott
• Jack Ginnivan

Sydney Swans vs Collingwood prediction:

Sydney to advance to the Grand Final in a close, thrilling contest by 12-points.

Sydney Swans vs Collingwood betting tip:

Sydney start favourites at $1.37 to Collingwood $3.02