Digby Beacham’s AFL Finals Preview

Posted on August 25, 2022August 25, 2022 | Posted by Digby Beacham

Thursday, September 1 @ 5.20pm

Brisbane v Richmond, Gabba

Previous 2022 meeting: Round 20 @ the MCG: Richmond 15.14 (104) bt Brisbane 14.13 (97)

Initial reaction: It looks a nice match-up for Richmond given they have handled the Lions at their two most recent meetings. The Tigers have established good momentum and have the firepower forward of centre to trouble a Brisbane side that leaks goals.

Early prediction: Richmond. The expected return of Dustin Martin is significant in a forward line already boasting Tom Lynch, Jack Riewoldt, Shai Bolton, Noah Cumberland and Maurice Rioli Jnr.

Odds: Richmond $1.78, Brisbane $2.05

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Friday, September 2 @ 5.50pm

Melbourne v Sydney, MCG

Previous 2022 meeting: Round 12 @ the MCG: Sydney 10.13 (73) bt Melbourne 9.7 (61)

Initial reaction: Did Melbourne produce one of the all-time great flexes in round 23 or were Brisbane just that bad? You could argue a bit of both and if that is the case, the Demons at home with a settled line-up look well and truly capable of advancing to the preliminary final.

Early prediction: Melbourne. The Demons will need to be switched on. Sydney defend well, use the ball boldly and have improved in the contested-ball stakes. A low-scoring encounter awaits which will suit the premiers.

Odds: Melbourne $1.45, Sydney $2.75

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Saturday, September 3 @ 2.35pm

Geelong v Collingwood, MCG

Previous 2022 meeting: Round 3 @ the MCG: Geelong 16.8 (104) bt Collingwood 13.13 (91)

Initial reaction: That these two teams are clashing in week one of September is still one of the great mysteries. How on earth did Collingwood climb from the canvas to eliminate Carlton from the finals picture? Most concede this Geelong outfit is a superior one to those of recent seasons. We’re about to find out.

Early prediction: Geelong. The Cats found a way to get over the top of the Magpies earlier in the season, one of the few narrow losses the Magpies have suffered this year. If Jeremy Cameron has no setback in his rehab from a strained hamstring, the Cats are entitled to be confident.

Odds: Geelong $1.37 Collingwood $3.10

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Saturday, September 3 @ 6.10pm

Fremantle v Western Bulldogs, Optus Stadium

Previous 2022 meeting: Round 21 @ Marvel Stadium: Fremantle 14.11 (95) bt Western Bulldogs 11.12 (78)

Initial reaction: A very winnable assignment for Fremantle in their return to finals action. The Dockers’ recent win over the Bulldogs in Melbourne is telling and their forward line is set to be bolstered before what should be a raucous home crowd of more than 55,000.

Early prediction: Fremantle. Provided the Dockers handle the Bulldogs in and around the contest, they have the firepower to advance to the semi-finals. The visitors will need Luke Beveridge to pull something out of the hat, which he has done previously in finals.

Odds: Fremantle $1.47, Western Bulldogs $2.70

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