Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Preliminary Finals

Posted on September 20, 2018 | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Richmond v Collingwood, MCG, 5.50pm

On both occasions they have met this season, Collingwood have well and truly been in the contest with Richmond. But on both occasions, the Tigers’ ability to be more uncompromising for longer has paid dividends, resulting in wins by 43 points (round six) and 28 points (round 19).

We are about to discover whether Collingwood have learnt their lessons or have improved because the Tigers are undeniably the AFL’s benchmark. Richmond have time and time again pulled away from their opposition late in matches because of their unrelenting, high-pressure game style which is so difficult to combat. The Magpies face the arduous assignment of withstanding that off a six-day break, while the Tigers hit this match well rested and aware of what needs to be done to advance to the decider.

Dustin Martin has been the story all week because of his corked leg. In an ideal world, he plays primarily midfield and rests forward. If he is battling soreness, there is every likelihood he will be stationed closer to goal for prolonged periods. That is a scary thought for Magpies coach Nathan Buckley, who knows full well how dangerous the Brownlow medallist is in one-on-one situations.

VERDICT: Richmond by 20 points

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SATURDAY

West Coast v Melbourne, Optus Stadium, 1.20pm

West Coast are unlikely to admit it publicly, but there is no doubt they would have preferred to be hosting Hawthorn ahead of Melbourne for the right to progress to a second grand final on Adam Simpson’s watch. And it’s very hard to blame them.

The Demons are rolling like no other time in the season and head west on the back of two cutthroat wins over Geelong and Hawthorn knowing Optus Stadium holds no fears. Their victory over West Coast in round 22 is a great reference point for Simon Goodwin’s side, but the visitors will encounter an Eagles side  seriously strengthened by the availability of Josh Kennedy alongside Jack Darling, who was concussed during the first quarter in that home-and-away match.

Melbourne will quite rightly argue they are also a better side with Jack Viney slotting seamlessly back into the midfield, an area of the ground where the Demons held sway in round 22 thanks to a dominant display by dual All-Australian ruckman Max Gawn. If the Eagles can break even in the midfield battle, they have the weapons forward of centre to end the Demons’ fairytale.

VERDICT: West Coast by 18 points

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