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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Semi Finals

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Melbourne v Brisbane, MCG, 5.50pm

Barring a last-minute setback, Melbourne prime mover Christian Petracca will face Brisbane in this semi-final despite fracturing his right leg in the loss to Sydney last Friday night.

It is a bold move from the Demons, who are adamant he is good to go. If that is the case, the premiers will virtually be the same side that ventured to the Gabba in round 23 and obliterated the Lions once again. Brisbane welcome back Cam Rayner and Noah Answerth from suspension, but aren’t able to call on Oscar McInerney (concussion).

Melbourne have shown an ability to not only stifle the Lions’ ball movement in recent meetings, but get them on the outside with superior leg speed and ball movement. How Chris Fagan tweaks his approach here will be fascinating.

VERDICT: Melbourne by 1-39 points

SATURDAY

Collingwood v Fremantle, MCG, 5.25pm

Collingwood have relished the role as the hunter in 2022. Their ability to spot opponents a start and then gun them down time and time again has made for great viewing and an equally entertaining narrative.

The shoe was on the other foot against Geelong and didn’t handle the moment as well as they would have liked, albeit against the premiership favourites. Now they host Fremantle, themselves proving impressively adept at climbing from the canvas. Any team that rallies from a 41-point deficit in a final deserves respect.

The Dockers are going to be exposed to a hostile environment and suffocating pressure from Collingwood. How they handle it, especially early doors, could shape the outcome. Can young guns Caleb Serong and Andy Brayshaw lead the way once more in the midfield?

VERDICT: Collingwood by 1-39 points

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