Here’s AAP’s preview of all the AFL Finals Week 3 matches (all times AEST):
FRIDAY, Sept 19
Sydney v North Melbourne at ANZ Stadium 7.50pm
Head to Head: Swans 81 Kangaroos 72 drawn 1
Last clash: Round 4 2014 – Kangaroos 13.13 (91) bt Swans 6.12 (48) at SCG
Last final: Elimination Final 2008 – Swans 17.8 (110) bt Kangaroos 11.9 (75) at ANZ Stadium
Tab Sportsbet: Swans $1.25 Kangaroos $4.00
Sportingbet: Swans $1.25 Kangaroos $4.00
North Melbourne coach Brad Scott has made it clear to his players and the football public that the Kangaroos aren’t finished yet on their giant-killing run. Scott says the Kangaroos won’t be intimidated by the Swans, who were upset by North at the SCG earlier this season. Scott says the Kangaroos are playing their best football at the right time of the year, but minor premiers Sydney have also improved enormously since their round-four clash. With a week’s rest, the Swans will be cherry ripe as they chase their second flag in three years. Sydney’s 2012 premiership hero Nick Malceski is battling to overcome a hamstring problem.
Key: Brad Scott is hoping key defender Lachie Hansen can resume after a hip complaint, while Joel Tippett is a chance to be recalled for his fifth game of the year as the Kangaroos try to cover Sydney’s tall forwards. Tipett could be brought in to play on his brother Kurt, while 2014 Coleman Medallist Lance Franklin is also a tough match-up for North who couldn’t stop powerful Geelong forward Tom Hawkins kicking five goals on Friday night.
Tip: Swans by 15 points
SATURDAY, Sept 20
Hawthorn v Port Adelaide at MCG 4.45pm
Head to Head: Hawks 12 Power 16 drawn 0
Last clash: Round 10 2014 – Power 15.10 (100) bt Hawks 13.8 (86) at Launceston
Last final: Semi-final 2001 – Hawks 10.12 (72) bt Power 10.9 (69) at Football Park
Tab Sportsbet: Hawks $1.30 Power $3.55
Sportingbet: Hawks $1.32 Power $3.40
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has told the Power their best football is good enough. A trip to Melbourne, a week after a game in Perth, is an extra hurdle for the Power against the well-rested Hawks. The young, enthusiastic, talented Power have emerged as one of the game’s most-entertaining outfits so far in this finals series. Tom Jonas (corked hip) is an injury concern for Port, who will face a stronger Hawthorn side than the one they beat in round 10. Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson’s biggest decision at the selection table could be whether he gambles on the fitness of dual-premiership small forward Cyril Rioli (hamstring).
Key: Hawthorn can boast a formidable midfield, plenty of goalkicking power and star fullback Brian Lake. The Power may need some individual magic from small forwards Chad Wingard, Ollie Wines and Robbie Gray if they hope to overcome the hungry Hawks who are chasing consecutive flags.
Tip: Hawks by 18 points
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