AFL Grand Final, Demons vs. Dogs, Tips and Previews
Demons vs. Cats
September 25th
This is it.
The holy grail.
Melbourne and Western Bulldogs will battle it out at Optus Stadium in Perth for the ultimate glory in an AFL Grand Final that will take place in Western Australia for the first time in VFL/AFL history.
The Demons have had the cruisy run through to the final game of the season after a 33-point qualifying final win over Brisbane and then ultimately securing its spot in the grand final with an enormous 83-point win over Geelong in the preliminary final.
The Bulldogs, in contrast, have had to travel to all parts of Australia and have dealt with injuries a plenty.
First it was an elimination final win against Essendon in Tasmania, then it was a pulsating one-point semi-final win over Brisbane and then it was a demolition job of Port Adelaide in Adelaide.
Both teams are deserved grand finalists and the head to head between them this year makes for intriguing viewing.
The spoils are shared at win each of two with the Demons getting the job done over the Bulldogs in front of an empty Marvel Stadium in Round 11 and then having the returned at the MCG when the Bulldogs claimed a 20-point victory.
This game will be won and lost in the heart of midfield.
Max Gawn will be up against the ruck duo of Tim English and Stefan Martin as the Melbourne midfield brigade comprising of Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney and the like goes toe to toe with Marcus Bontempelli, Josh Dunkley, Jackson Macrae and Bailey Smith.
With Alex Keath and Cody Weightman both being passed fit to play, they will only enhance the Bulldogs’ chances of their second premiership since 2016 and their third in VFL/AFL history.
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Bulldogs head to head at $2.30
Norm Smith Medal
September 25th
There are a heap of live chances in the market in one of the most competitive Norm Smith Medal awards we have seen in recent times.
Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Marcus Bontempelli represent the best chances as the star midfielders, but there looks to be value elsewhere.
Max Gawn will likely have a tough time of it given he has to face up against Stefan Martin and Tim English.
It leaves the player of the finals series in clear air to do his thing; Bailey Smith.
The young midfielder has been prolific for the Bulldogs after two match winning performances against Brisbane and Port Adelaide.
He comes up a massive price in early Norm Smith markets and, as a goal-kicking ball winner, he has to be a serious threat to win the medal.
