The second week of the 2019 AFL finals series is over, and now we know for sure which sides will contest the 2019 preliminary finals, and when.
Richmond and Geelong will go head to head for the first spot into the grand final at the MCG on Friday night. Despite going up against the minor premiers, Richmond will enter as clear favourites.
On the Saturday to follow, Collingwood will go up against the GWS Giants, also at the MCG.
Second preliminary final: Richmond Tigers vs Geelong Cats
Friday 20 September, 7:50pm
MCG
First preliminary final: Collingwood Magpies vs GWS Giants
Saturday 21 September, 4:35pm
MCG
The Geelong Cats moved through to the semis with a win on Friday night, thanks to a fast start and a strong finish agains the West Coast Eagles.
The Cats dominated the first quarter of that game but allowed West Coast to work their way back in, even hit the lead, over the next two quarters.
However they completely stonewalled their opponents in the final quarter, and kicked four unanswered goals to romp home for the win.
The match on Saturday night was easily the most thrilling we’ve seen yet in this finals series, as the Lions and Giants engaged in an epic tussle that went to the last seconds.
GWS leapt out to an early advantage but Brisbane clawed it back in and even retook the lead before quarter time, and from there on neither club seemed able to get too far ahead.
The Lions fought hard and, like last week, probably had enough opportunities to record a comfortable win, but simply were too inaccurate too often.
A goal from GWS small forward Brent Daniels with less than three minutes to go but the Giants up by three points, and they hold on for a win from there.
Yawn of the Dead
Guest
Was graded low already High - yes Intentional - that’s your best path unless you go down the “insufficient force to be considered a strike” However given the umbrage against dusty when his errant arm caused the Giant to wtf, not sure how a player laying prostate will help that reasoning Best to try and get downgraded to reckless etc?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Hawkins should get off due to lack of impact
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Doubt Tommy gets off, he is not as damaged as Greene. But it would make it a little closer if they let him play, hopefully they do. If Greene gets off so should Tom.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
And little Tommy?
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Day or night the MCG is a huge advantage for the Pies but they have earned that right. The AFL will ensure Greene get's off (unfortunately) He should have got 3 weeks last week. The pies will win even with Greene playing.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Does a day game suit pies more or Giants? Wonder what each sides day and night record is this year?
Boner
Roar Rookie
Hi Sheree. I think I answered your question at 7:32 this morning. All about money. Nothing to do with fan convenience…. and we are being primed for the inevitable night grand final.
Sheree
Guest
Why couldn’t it be a 2.10 game? There is nothing wrong with day games and gives younger kids more chance to go to the games. Also GWS get to be home earlier
The real SC
Roar Rookie
Collingwood v GWS game at the MCG will be scheduled during a twilight match. I think it has to do with the GWS team getting on a plane back to Sydney during midnight. Meanwhile the telecast next Saturday starts at 3pm and is a 90 minute pre match show. I don’t get it why they have an extended pre match show. Possibly has to do with the big talk of the preparation for Brownlow Medal and the AFL Grand Final coming up on 28 September.
Boner
Roar Rookie
maximising the broadcasters revenue will be the sole determining factor. Nothing else counts.
Raimond
Roar Guru
maybe, the earlier the better for GWS
Kevin
Guest
I think it’ll be 3:20pm, judging last years prelim and this years 2nd elim.
Raimond
Roar Guru
4.40pm, surely