WEEK TWO OF THE AFL FINALS SERIES (all times AEST)
Friday, September 13
First semi-final – Geelong v West Coast at the MCG, 7.50pm
Last clash: Round 6, 2019 – Cats 15.14 (104) bt Eagles 7.4 (46) at GMHBA Stadium
Last final: Preliminary-final, 2011 – Cats 17.15 (117) bt Eagles 10.9 (69) at MCG
What a test this is for Geelong. A loss here will make them the first minor premiers to be knocked out in straight sets since the top eight was introduced in 1994. The Cats are the nominal hosts but premiers West Coast have the momentum and will be licking their lips at the prospect of playing at the ‘G, where they have won five of their last six games. Then there’s Nic Naitanui. Few players in the competition are more influential than the superstar ruckman, who was dominant on return from injury in the Eagles’ demolition of Essendon. Rhys Stanley appears certain to be recalled to take on Naitanui, while the Cats have lost Mitch Duncan to a knee injury.
Saturday, September 14
Second semi-final – Brisbane v GWS at Gabba, 7.25pm
Last clash: Round 16, 2019 – Lions 14.10 (94) bt Giants 11.8 (74) at Giants Stadium
First finals clash between the two teams.
Overawed and overpowered by Richmond in a heavy qualifying-final defeat, Chris Fagan’s Lions cubs must reset and regain their mojo. The Lions should take heart from their strong start and the fact they were cruelled by inaccuracy in front of goal. But after battering the Western Bulldogs in an upset week-one victory, GWS will be looking to bring that same ferocity to the Gabba. Matt de Boer’s shutdown role on Marcus Bontempelli was particularly crucial and either Lachie Neale or Dayne Zorko can expect the same treatment. Brisbane will be without Mitch Robinson (hamstring), while GWS veteran Brett Deledio (calf) has almost certainly played his last game.