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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Semi Finals

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Adelaide v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval, 5.40pm

Adelaide simply must respond. They cannot afford, even factoring in the unavailability of Izak Rankine, to drop two home finals in the space of a week and exit the post-season after claiming the minor premiership.

Their loss to Collingwood has left them in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons and in Hawthorn, perhaps are facing an opponent best placed to trouble them further. The Hawks beat the Crows in Tasmania earlier this year and got the jump on them recently at Adelaide Oval.

The heroics of Crows captain Jordan Dawson pulled his men from the fire in that encounter. Talking of fire, he needs to do exactly that after a quiet first final. Dawson has a major role to play in a midfield battle that will be absorbing.

VERDICT: Hawthorn to win

Same Game Multi: Game total over 156.5 points and Jack Gunston and Riley Thilthorpe to kick 2+ goals @ $2.85*

SATURDAY

Brisbane v Gold Coast, Gabba, 5.35pm

There is one thing we know for certain here — Gold Coast will not melt in the furnace-like atmosphere of a Q-Clash semifinal. They may well be beaten, but it won’t be because they are spooked. Staring down Fremantle at Optus Stadium last weekend proved they were built for September.

As are Brisbane. That much is obvious considering they are the reigning premiers. But they are vulnerable. The loss of Lachie Neale (calf) leaves the Lions’ engine room lacking in the firepower department. The Suns have no such issues. Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson are elite and power this Gold Coast outfit.

Brisbane have serious room for improvement. They have been challenged so many times in 2025 and invariably responded. Can they do so again?

VERDICT: Brisbane to win

Same Game Multi: Game total over 169.5 points and Hugh McCluggage and Will Ashcroft to have 25+ disposals @ $3.15*

*Odds correct at the time of publication.

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