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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Semi Finals

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Melbourne v Carlton, MCG, 5.50pm

Every side that plays finals is well aware the privilege comes with extra attention. Melbourne have endured more than they would have hoped, starting with the inability to convert 50m entries against Collingwood last week to the Angus Brayshaw-Brayden Maynard incident and the ugly aftermath.

But they need to narrow their focus and make sure they avoid another inglorious straight-sets exit on home soil. Avoiding that won’t be easy, with Carlton certain to make them work for everything. The Blues claimed the Demons’ scalp late in the regular season and have the uncompromising approach at stoppages that normally works in Melbourne’s favour.

No Harry McKay and Jack Martin is less than ideal for Carlton, although the Demons cannot call on Jacob van Rooyen and Brayshaw obviously. But they still possess a dominant ruckman in Max Gawn and a defensive set-up that held up incredibly well against Collingwood. If they tidy up their work forward of centre, they can progress to a preliminary final.

VERDICT: Melbourne to win

SATURDAY

Port Adelaide v GWS, Adelaide Oval, 5.40pm

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley better hope his players have another shot to fire. On face value it looked like they were out of bullets against Brisbane at the Gabba, resulting in a heavy loss that sees them use their double chance for finishing top four.

If he can’t re-arm them sufficiently, they are in real trouble. Greater Western Sydney are arguably the form side of the competition and travelling interstate will hold no fears for them, even though the Power triumphed in their most recent battle at home last month.

The Giants are going to be boosted by the return of Stephen Coniglio, adding strength to a midfield that has the capacity to match motors with the Port engine room. And if that is the case, the overall depth of talent, coupled with the health of the squad, could enable the Giants to keep alive their fairytale campaign.

VERDICT: GWS to win

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