Sports

McGuane Predicting Demon’s to Breathe Fire

Collingwood Premiership star Mick McGuane is predicting Melbourne’s fairytale run to a Grand Final to continue this weekend when they take on West Coast in a Preliminary Final at Optus Stadium.

Speaking on the Sports Daily on TABradio this morning McGuane was forthright in regards to why Melbourne could prove victorious.

“This will no doubt ruffle a few feathers with your WA listeners but I think Melbourne can prevail in a close game,” he said.

“Melbourne are the second best pressure team in the AFL.”

“For them to win they need to be in control in their defence and then get the ball in quickly to attack to take McGovern and the West Coast intercepting marks out of play.”

McGuane then went on to identify the two players Melbourne most needed to clamp down on.

“Luke Shuey and Lewis Jetta are the two players I would be looking to shut down if I was Melbourne,” McGuane said.

“They are both so creative and damaging with their foot skills – they simply cannot be allowed space.”

Mick’s final prediction was Melbourne to sneak home by 6 points.

In the other Preliminary Final McGuane was forced to go with his head ruling over heart when predicting Richmond to defeat Collingwood.

“Richmond have been the best team all year and they look likely to progress to another Grand Final,” McGuane commented.

“The two sides met not that long ago in round 19 and in that game the Pies could not challenge the defensive system that Richmond had in place.”

McGuane then confirmed that Dustin Martin was the key player in the contest.

“Collingwood have to try and find a way to keep him in check,” he said.

“So much of his damage is done forward of centre and if he gets the supply he can take the game away from the Pies.”

Richmond to win by 22 points was his prediction for Friday night’s Blockbuster.

Richmond head into Friday night’s Preliminary Final as the favourites with TABtouch at $1.38 while Collingwood are the $3.10 outsiders. Line betting on the match currently sits at 16.5 points.

In the West Coast v Melbourne match the Eagles are a $1.80 chance while the Demons are at $2.05.  The line for the match is just 3.5 points.

In Premiership betting Richmond are paying $1.85, West Coast $4.50, Melbourne $5.25 and Collingwood $5.75.