Semi-final weekend has been run and won, and now we know exactly who will be in the preliminary finals next weekend. We’ve got all the details on the fixtures right here.
Geelong Cats vs Sydney Swans
Second preliminary final
Time: 7:50pm (AEST)
Date: Friday, September 23
Venue: MCG
GWS Giants vs Western Bulldogs
First preliminary final
Time: 5:15pm (AEST)
Date: Friday, September 24
Venue: Spotless Stadium
The Cats and the Swans will play off what looks to be a classic match after the Cats booked a home prelim final with a win over the Hawthorn Hawks in the first week of finals.
The Swans lost their first final to the GWS Giants but bounced back to claim a win in the semi-finals against the Adelaide Crows on Saturday night.
That means to win the flag they now need to win two straight games at the MCG – against the Cats on Friday night and, if they make it through that, against the winner of the other prelim in the grand final.
It’s that other prelim that is arguably more exciting however with one of either the GWS Giants or the Western Bulldogs now guaranteed to make it through to this year’s decider.
The Giants have never played in the grand final, obviously – this is their first ever finals appearance, in their fifth year in the competition.
The Bulldogs have played in just two grand finals in club history – in 1954 when they won their first and to date only premiership, and most recently in 1961.
By comparison, eight of the last eleven grand finals have featured either the Swans or the Cats. They are teams that know that territory pretty well.
The Giants got through to the prelim after beating the Sydney Swans in the first week of finals at ANZ Stadium.
The Western Bulldogs are through after consecutive wins over the West Coast Eagles and the Hawthorn Hawks, despite finishing seventh after the home-and-away season.
Ironmonger
Guest
I agree that GWS will be too good for the Bullies...Bulldogs outran the Hawks, I don't think they can do that to GWS. Geelong and Swans will be tough. Swans have more run in them but the MCG and Geelong big bodies will be tough to match up on. Not sure who will run with Danger...is T Mitchell quick enough? Maybe Lloyd or even Mills? Swans small forwards were deadly against the Crows, if they can maintain that form Swans to win.
Cat
Roar Guru
Hawthorn should have played first. Teams that earn home finals should get to host them at home. All teams should play at all grounds. Lots of things the AFL should do that they don't.
me too
Guest
Because it happened.The AFL have no set rule. They change according to their own agenda. At the heart of it, it is money - long term or short term.
michael RVC
Roar Pro
Then why are we still reminded by Hawks supporters of the 2012 pre GF six day break disadvantage they "suffered" from so terribly?
Cat
Roar Guru
Highest finishing PF winner plays first, the way it should be.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
6 day break for Syd is a bit harsh. Then a 8 day break for the next match for the winner of that game. While the winner of the GWS vs WB get 7.
peter wolf
Guest
It's a great time of year as usual predictions, can GWS get into their first Grand Final?
anon
Guest
GWS will account for the Bulldogs easily. The hard-nosed, well-balanced GWS unit is a different proposition to an aging Hawthorn with it's soft underbelly. Sydney is a better team than Geelong, but how much of a factor is the week off, playing the match at the MCG and Sydney's injuries? Just on that alone I have to go with Geelong. And I think Sydney will be happy to have just made the prelim. It's more than a pass mark for them in a rebuilding year. If it's close in the 4th quarter, will the Sydney players put everything on the line to get over the line only to get toweled up by their cross-town rivals the following week? Sydney's best chance would be trying to completely shut down Dangerfield. It might backfire, but I can't see Sydney winning in a straight fight over 4 quarters on a 6 day break against a team that's played one game in close to 4 weeks.
Josh
Expert
Correct, my bad. Fixed.
Justin
Guest
As a neutral hoping for a Bulldogs v Cats GF with a Bulldogs win.
Beny Iniesta
Guest
And, it is actually 8 of the past 11/12. 4 each. Sydney Swans (2005, 2006, 2012, 2014) Geelong (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011) 12 Grand Finals from 11 years.
Beny Iniesta
Guest
Old Firm v New Firm. We just don't know who is representing each yet.
Brendon
Guest
I still think we are going to see an all Sydney grand final. Cats and dogs are definitely a big chance but I think Sydney will be too fast for Geelong and GWS at home will knock off the dogs. Then Sydney to play better in front of the big stage of the gf and beat the giants easy