Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Grand Final

Posted on September 23, 2021September 28, 2021 | Posted by Digby Beacham

Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, Optus Stadium, 5.15pm

Let’s cut to the chase. Melbourne are ideally placed to claim their first premiership since 1964. Healthy and having set up base in WA for what seems an eternity, the Demons will run out on to Optus Stadium not only crowd favourites, but full of belief their best is good enough.

That doesn’t guarantee them victory. Far from it. They will need to be as ruthless and clinical as they have been for the bulk of 2021. If they are indeed that, their level is superior to that of the Western Bulldogs, despite the apparent advantage the 2016 premiers have with their midfield depth.

The Demons are elite in just about every area in the ground and possess a trump card in All-Australian captain Max Gawn, fresh off one of the greatest individual displays ever seen by a ruckman in a final. If Gawn has his way with either Stefan Martin and Tim English (or both), it could even turn nasty.

VERDICT: Melbourne by 28 points

NORM SMITH MEDALLIST: Clayton Oliver

SAME GAME COMBO: Dees Win + Over 155.5 Total Match Points + Brown /Fritsch both Kick 2+ Goals @ $6.25*

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