It’s the biggest AFL stage but even the MCG would struggle to cope with the enormity of the occasion if Richmond take on Collingwood in their first grand final meeting in nearly 40 years.

The tantalising prospect of the storied Victorian arch-rivals going head-to-head for the ultimate prize edged closer to reality after a dramatic first weekend of the AFL finals series.

The Magpies were the first team through to a preliminary final when they jumped Geelong early at the MCG on Friday night then held on for a 9.7 (61) to 7.9 (51) qualifying final win.

The impressive performance came at a cost, however, with Jordan De Goey (hamstring) and Levi Greenwood (knee) suffering significant injuries.

The Tigers followed on Saturday night when they outclassed Brisbane at the Gabba, with Dustin Martin kicking six goals in an 18.4 (112) to 8.17 (65) thumping.

With a weekend off to rest up, the giant clubs are in the box seat to progress to the grand final, which would be their first such meeting since 113,461 fans crammed into the MCG to watch the Tigers lift the 1980 premiership cup.

Richmond will host the winner of the Geelong-West Coast semi-final at the MCG on the Friday night of preliminary final weekend, while the Pies will take on either the Lions or GWS at the same venue the next day.

It was a disappointing weekend for minor premiers Geelong and Brisbane, who finished second, but at least they get another bite at the cherry to progress.

The same can’t be said for the Western Bulldogs and Essendon, who’s seasons are over.

The Dogs were beaten into submission by the Giants in the second half of Saturday’s hard-fought elimination final, GWS powering away to a 16.17 (113) to 8.7 (55) win at Giants Stadium.

Young Dogs star Aaron Naughton will have scans on his left knee after he landed awkwardly in a marking contest in the third term, but initial fears he had ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament have eased.

Leon Cameron’s men will travel north to take on the Lions in a knockout semi-final at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The Eagles kicked off week one of the finals with a comprehensive 17.14 (116) to 9.7 (61) defeat of the Bombers at Optus Stadium on Thursday night, with Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff starring with 34 possessions each.

West Coast will meet the Cats in a semi-final at the MCG on Friday night.