WEEK FOUR OF THE AFL FINALS SERIES
Saturday, September 29
Grand final – West Coast v Collingwood at MCG, 2.30pm AEST
Last clash: 2018 qualifying final – Eagles 12.14 (86) bt Magpies 10.10 (70) at Optus Stadium
Last final: 2018 qualifying final – Eagles 12.14 (86) bt Magpies 10.10 (70) at Optus Stadium
Never previously met in grand final
Head-to-head: Eagles 26 Magpies 24 drawn 1
Finals head to head: Eagles 2 Magpies 4 drawn 1
Premierships: Eagles 3 Magpies 15
Previous grand finals: Eagles 6 Magpies 43
Who would have picked this at the start of the season? Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley came close to being sacked last year but has driven a remarkable turnaround at the club, capped by a stunning upset preliminary final victory over reigning premiers Richmond. West Coast, who were widely expected to be a team in transition this year, have been equally impressive, storming their way to the premiership decider with a 66-point annihilation of Melbourne. Bookmakers have installed Collingwood as narrow favourites but the Eagles have beaten them twice this year, prevailing in a tense qualifying final at Optus Stadium and also downing the Pies at the MCG in round 17.
Both teams have their midfields firing on all cylinders and boast game-breaking forwards. Jordan De Goey has been in sensational touch for the Magpies, who also boast a 211cm X-factor in Mason Cox. But the Eagles are 12-0 with Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling playing together this season and the duo combined for seven goals against the Demons. Star Eagles Luke Shuey (ankle) and Jeremy McGovern (ribs) both had scares but should be fine to play. The same goes for Collingwood duo Jordan De Goey (corked leg) and Jeremy Howe, who jarred his ankle but was later cleared by scans.