AFL Finals W3, Tips and Previews
Geelong vs. Brisbane
September 16th
It’s been a finals series packed with drama and thrills, and no team has exemplified that better than Brisbane.
A thrilling win over Richmond followed by a comeback upset over Melbourne has the Lions flying, but this week is a different test altogether.
The Cats are in the position they are in for a reason. They’ve been the dominant, most consistent team of 2022 and have a point to prove after falling short several times in recent years.
Tom Stewart is the barometer for the Cats, with his dashing work off half-back and an appetite for the contest. The Lions have to work on him like they shut down Melbourne’s star-studded backline last week.
That end of the ground will be a point of intrigue with Eric Hipwood starring up forward last week. Joe Daniher will be back to add more firepower after a week off, and he will be keen to continue his excellent form from the elimination final win over Richmond.
Much like Daniher, Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield has a point to prove in deep finals. He is a true champion of the game, and there is no reason he can’t star on the night.
Brisbane has up their sleeve one of the best midfielders in the country, Lachie Neale, who could also be a dual Brownlow medallist within days. His finals performances so far have been exemplary, and he will come in for some close attention from Geelong.
As good as Brisbane has been this September, the Cats have the runs on the board and an eagerness to win the flag that has eluded them over the past five years. They’re the bet here.
SUGGESTED BET:
Lachie Neale 25 disposals or more into Geelong win into Tyson Stengle anytime goalscorer at $2.00
Sydney vs. Collingwood
September 17th
As so often happens, Sydney has quietly gone about their business this season and landed themselves in yet another finals campaign.
This could be the year they go all the way, with an even contribution all around the field, particularly from home-grown products Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills who have gone to a new level this season. Will Hayward has become a real danger man for the Swans, while Paddy McCartin has risen from the AFL scrapheap to be one of the best intercept defenders of the game.
Likewise, Collingwood has also had consistent performers from one-time lesser lights and while they don’t have the star power others have, they combine as well as any team to get the wins no matter what the circumstances.
Jamie Elliott is as cool as they come under pressure, while Jack Crisp and Jordan De Goey have also had brilliant finals series to date.
It was only a few weeks ago that Sydney brought the Magpies’ run of close wins to an end with a defeat at the SCG. It will be hard to shake that from the minds and the Swans have a huge advantage with that performance so recent in the record books.
